LeBron James Unsure On Future After Lakers Swept By Thunder In NBA Playoffs

LeBron James says he will take time to weigh up his future after the Los Angeles Lakers crashed out of the NBA playoffs following a 115-110 defeat to Oklahoma City on Monday, a result that could mark the final game of his career.

LeBron James, 41, produced 24 points and 12 rebounds but could not stop the Thunder sealing a 4-0 Western Conference semi-final sweep. James is now out of contract and enters the offseason as a free agent amid growing uncertainty over whether he will extend his career, move elsewhere or retire.

Speculation has linked him with a return for a 24th NBA season, though the veteran revealed little when asked about his plans after the loss in Los Angeles, watched courtside by Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Eddie Murphy.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” James said.

“Obviously, as it stands right now, tonight, I’ve got a lot of time. I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them, and spend some time with them, and then when the time comes, obviously you guys will know what I decide to do.”

He added that his decision will depend on whether he still loves the daily grind required to compete at the top.

“I think for me, it’s about the process, you know, if I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena five-and-a-half hours before a game to start preparing,” he said.

The four-time champion insisted he has nothing left to prove.

“There’s nothing I need to show in this league,” James said. “I’ve done it all, I’ve seen it all. So you know, just trying to compete and trying to win championships, I think that’s a motivating factor.”

Oklahoma City now turn their attention to the Western Conference finals, where they will face either San Antonio or Minnesota. The Spurs and Timberwolves are level at 2-2.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points as they continued an impressive playoff run after also sweeping Phoenix in the first round.

In the Eastern Conference, Donovan Mitchell powered Cleveland to a 112-103 win over Detroit to level their semi-final series at 2-2. Mitchell exploded for 39 second-half points on his way to 43, five rebounds and two assists.

“I was trying to set the tone on the offence, and I didn’t do that in the first half. I came in at half-time and told my guys, ‘It’s on me. I tried to make a statement in the second half,” Mitchell said.

Cleveland overturned a four-point half-time deficit with a 25-0 third-quarter surge. Game five heads to Detroit on Wednesday.