After losing to the Nuggets on Monday night, LeBron James said he ‘had a lot to think about’ in regards to his basketball future – but Skip Bayless isn’t buying it.
James and his Lakers were swept in four games by Denver, but the 38-year-old showed he’s still one of the best players in the league with a 40-point, 10-rebound, nine-assist effort in the decisive Game 4 defeat.
And while Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported after the 113-111 LA loss that James is indeed considering calling it a day, Bayless said Tuesday on ‘Undisputed’ that’s he’s not expecting the four-time MVP to hang it up just yet.
‘There is no way LeBron James is going to retire, in my humble estimation, at this moment,’ Bayless said on Fox Sports 1.
‘Unless you tell me there’s a surgical procedure that doesn’t come out right. If there’s a health issue… all bets are off.’
LeBron James said he had ‘a lot to think about’ in regards to his playing future after the loss
But Skip Bayless is not convinced that James is actually ready to stop playing just yet
The Lakers raced out to a 15-point halftime lead before the eventual loss, with James piling on an incredible 31 points in the first half.
But James, at 38 years old, faded in the following two quarters as he scored nine points and the Lakers’ offense stagnated.
‘His feelings were hurt, he was crushed,’ Bayless said of the star’s postgame comments.
‘He knew what had happened, he had a sensational first half, and he just couldn’t sustain it.’
James scored 40 points but didn’t get enough help as his Lakers were eliminated by Denver
James still has two years and $97million remaining on his current contract, but the final year is a player option and he could opt to forgo the cash and call it a day.
Regardless, his comments Monday seemed to distract from LA’s struggles against the newly-minted West champions.
Speaking after the Lakers’ defeat to the Nuggets, James said: ‘I got a lot to think about. Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about.’
It remains to be seen if James’ storied career actually ends after this sweep, as he clearly has plenty left in the tank and has spoke openly about playing with his son Bronny, 18, in the past.
