Rob Pelinka, general manager of the Lakers, hoped on Tuesday that LeBron James would continue his career, “even if he earned the right” to decide, after casting doubt on his future in the wake of elimination in play-offs the day before against Denver.
“Coach (Darvin Ham) and I will speak to LeBron in the coming days. We all know he speaks on his own behalf and we look forward to these discussions. He gave as much to basketball as anyone else. When you do this, you earn the right to decide if you want to give more. Obviously, we hope that his career will continue,” Pelinka said at a press conference.
“We sometimes put athletes and artists on a pedestal. But they are human beings and, just like for us, there are turning points in their careers. Our job within the franchise is to support all the players on our team when they are there,” he added.
“In the coming days, we will be in contact with him and his management. We will bring him nothing but our support. We obviously hope that his career will continue. But we want to give him time, ”he concluded.
James was not present at the Lakers’ premises during the traditional end-of-season press briefing.
Monday evening, he concluded his press conference with cryptic words, immediately sparking speculation about a possible retirement at 38: “We’ll see what happens… I don’t know. Personally, in terms of basketball, I have a lot to think about.
In the process, ESPN affirmed that “LBJ” was indeed thinking of stopping basketball, by the voice of one of his reporters who then exchanged with him.
Disappointment naturally inhabited him after the conceded 4-0 loss to the Nuggets, after a fourth game where he was heroic. He had planted 31 of his 40 points in the first period, beating his personal best in the matter.
“You know, after a tough loss like that, I think I was also ready to retire,” Darvin Ham said, jokingly but also justifying his superstar’s reaction.