LeBron James quotes Jay-Z in a cryptic post that apparently adds fuel to talk about his retirement
‘We’ll see what happens when I’m gone’: LeBron James quotes Jay-Z in cryptic post that apparently adds fuel to talks about his retirement… days after league executives dismissed fears that Lakers star , 38, will retire from basketball
- The executives accused James of “changing the conversation” of the sweep
- James has long expressed a desire to play with his son, which may happen soon
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Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James posted an Instagram story in which he quoted legendary rapper Jay Z’s song “What More Can I Say” β seemingly playing the story that he’s contemplating retirement.
James and the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs in a 4-0 series sweep by the Denver Nuggets last week.
After the game, he told reporters, “We’ll see what happens in the future. Don’t know. Don’t know. I have a lot to think about, to be honest. Only for me personally to continue with basketball.’
James’ message on Monday read, “I should be number 1 on everyone’s” list. We’ll see what happens when I’m gone.’
Despite James appearing to add fuel to the fire in terms of speculation about his retirement, multiple reports and multiple NBA sources have stated that the retirement conversation should not be taken seriously.
LeBron James posted a quote from rapper Jay-z while he was on retirement talks
The lyrics to Jay-z’s song “What More Can I Say” have been posted in a cryptic message
βI should be number 1 on everyone’s list. We’ll see what happens when I no longer exist,” read the message
A Western Conference executive went so far as to accuse James of using the retirement talk as a way change the conversation topic of the Lakers being swept since the 38-year-old small forward likes to “control the story.”
“He fits next year,” the director said last week, according to Bleacher Report. βHe just changed the conversation. Now we’re not talking about a sweep; we’re talking about LeBron and retirement. He likes to control the story.’
“Give it a week,” said another director. “Let’s see if he says the same thing.”
James has also been accused of using the retirement talks as a way to try and leverage the Lakers front office by adding another star player to the roster this offseason.
It’s well noted that James wants to play with his oldest son Bronny, who is now just one season away from competing in the NBA.
However, executives around the NBA have not taken James’ retirement talks seriously
James has been accused of trying to change the conversation after being swept through Denver
James has long stated the goal of playing in the NBA alongside his eldest son Bronny James, which could happen in two years
James has also structured the remaining two years of his contract so that he can opt out of the deal and sign elsewhere to play with his son.
Considering James was able to play 48 minutes in the Lakers’ final game of the postseason while recording 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for a near triple-double, it’s also hard to see him stepping away while clearly having enough gas in the tank to perform at a high level.
A recent report also stated that James may need surgery to repair a torn tendon in his foot “if” he decides to play again.
The educated and informed minds in the league clearly believe this is more of a “when” James decides to play again, regardless of what he tells reporters or posts on his social media accounts.