LeBron James – Source: Ronald Martinez / Getty
After a season-ending loss to the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James refuses to answer questions regarding his return to the Lakers next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially booked their ticket to Cancun after losing to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Despite 11 straight losses to the Nuggets the Lakers snagged one game of the series giving false hope to their supporters. After the disappointing first-round loss, the Lakers’ PR machine went into overdrive while the team was still on the court.
Lakers players reportedly gave up on Darvin Ham months ago and thought they were better off coaching themselves pic.twitter.com/m9JaX78tmT
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 30, 2024
According to Sportskeeda, the first order of business involved leaked reports surfacing about the pending termination of head coach Darwin Ham.
“It’s been a hell of a two years sitting in this seat, I’ll tell you that. It’s been a hell of a two years.”- Darwin Ham awkwardly stated after the loss to the Nuggets.
The Lakers’ 20-point collapse in Game 2 was likely the “final straw” for Darvin Ham, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/ndBlCHaCC8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 30, 2024
Ham’s weird press conference remarks seemed to confirm there is trouble in paradise related to his return as head coach. Perhaps the biggest shock came from LeBron James who allegedly has shared doubt he will return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. When asked about those rumors during the post-game press conference, LeBron didn’t help the situation.
According to CBS Sports, James refused to answer direct questions about returning.
“Was there any thought that tonight was your last game with the Lakers?” Asked a reporter in the crowd. “I’m not going to answer that.” James replied after a lengthy pause.
“I’m not gonna answer that.”
LeBron’s not ready to speak on if this was his last game as a Laker
(via @BenGolliver) pic.twitter.com/UaSHT5QENe
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 30, 2024
This offseason will be tense for the Lakers organization which will attempt to keep LeBron in the purple and gold. Also, if Lakers Nation wasn’t distraught enough Anthony Davis immediately went into damage-control mode.
According to Athlon Sports, AD revealed he has begun his efforts to keep LeBron on the team.
“He’s been in this position numerous times in his career where he had to make a decision ultimately for himself or his family. I’ll be right there to support him whatever he decides to do,” Davis said
“We compliment each other, we’ve done something special together. Good thing about it is I’m gonna be with him all summer… He knows how I feel about him.” Anthony Davis on LeBron’s decision this offseason. pic.twitter.com/vBt4IR6ews
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 30, 2024
This information being shared unprovoked further confirms LeBron is serious in his thoughts on possibly leaving LA. James has until June 29th to decide on his option to stay with the franchise. The Athletic and NBA insider Shams Charania kept the PR machine buzzing revealing the Lakers are even willing to draft Bronny to keep King James in Los Angeles. Drafting Bronny would make the last bullet on his career checklist come true.
Hopefully, it’s enough to keep the King on his throne in Los Angeles.
You can watch his full post-game press conference below.