Are LeBron James' NBA Playoff days with the Los Angeles Lakers numbered?

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers crashed out of the NBA Playoffs first round, losing to reigning champions Denver in five games. 

In year 21, James put in a spirited performance in an attempt to send the series to game six, scoring 30 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and 11 assists as the Lakers narrowly lost 106-108.

Of course, with it being LeBron James, the first-round exit has drawn up speculation as to whether James has played his last game for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Playoffs and regular season.

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According to ESPN, when asked about his future at the Lakers, James said: "I don't have an answer ... to be honest. I haven't given it much thought."

James followed by saying, "I'm not going to answer that" after being asked whether game five against the Nuggets would be his last game ever for the Lakers.

James has until the 29th of June to decide whether he wants to opt into the final year of his contract or become an unrestricted free agent and look to join another team for his 22nd year in the NBA. 

'The King' turns 40 next season, and the NBA website reports a gut-wrenching feeling in LA that the title he won in 2020 could be the only championship he wins with the Lakers.

The NBA GOAT loves the speculation and leaving fans unknown about his future, but here are some possible steps James could take over the off-season. 

If James' only goal was to win an NBA Championship, and he didn't care what city he played in, there is a good chance James would not be playing for the Lakers next season, but his family ties may save the Lakers franchise.

The NBA website reports that his wife Savannah loves living in Los Angeles and his youngest son Bryce is still playing high school basketball in LA with Sierra Canyon.

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The only realistic title contender James could join with enough cap space is the Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished top of the Western Conference, but aged 40, it's unrealistic to think 'The King' will move to Oklahoma when his family lives in LA.

Sporting News reported that James wants to stick around to play with his son Bronny, and one team has the ultimate power to take LeBron away from the Lakers for good. 

The Los Angeles Clippers has everything James needs and more, having the richest owner in the NBA, superstars like Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden, and a coach James has already won a championship with, in Tye Lue. 

Don't forget, the Clippers are still based in Los Angeles and could draft Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, giving James real food for thought over the next few months.

At the 2024 NBA All-Star break, Sporting News reported that James said: "I am a Laker. I've been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully, it stays that way."

Whatever happens over the next few months, LeBron James has some tough decisions to make on his NBA future. Will he retire, or will he continue to dominate? 

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