LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s career total of 38,387 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LeBron James retirement? James and the Lakers lost at Cleveland 129-99 Wednesday night in what could have been his last game there. It was the place his career began more than two decades ago. Then he left Cleveland. But he came back to win a title years later. Then he left again. Clearly the Akron, Ohio native will hold Cleveland near and dear to his heart forever.
We should mention there has been no formal announcement about James future or his plans to retire. But given the way he choked up during a first quarter video tribute to him, combined with the fact that this was the Lakers only appearance in Cleveland this season you can do the math. It felt like Wednesday night would be James' last visit as a player. It feels like his retirement is coming.
LEBRON JAMES RETIREMENT
Afterward James said he just tried to take it all in. The moment got to him. He said he doesn't want to take anything for granted. He also did not confirm or deny he will retire this season.
On the court James turned in one of his worst performances. He scored 11 points on 3 of 10 shooting and turned the ball over 6 times. He never scored less than 21 points as a visiting player in 12 previous games as a member of the Heat or Lakers.
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