LeBron James Contemplates Future with Lakers after Early Playoff Exit; Son Bronny Mulling NBA Draft Decision while Olympic Berth Looms

After suffering a five-game series defeat at the hands of reigning champions Denver Nuggets, LeBron James spoke candidly about what’s next for him and his Los Angeles Lakers team. The Purple and Gold were knocked out by the Nuggets in back-to-back years as they failed to advance beyond the first round once again. This is the fourth time that James has exited early from the playoffs since joining the franchise six seasons ago, having previously been eliminated by Phoenix Suns in 2021 and missing the postseason entirely during his debut campaign with LA in 2019 as well as last year due to injury issues. Now out of the NBA bubble, James is relishing spending some quality time with his family following another premature exit from the competition. “I just want to get home to my family honestly,” he said after the game on Monday night. The four-time MVP also revealed that one of his sons Bronny – a 19-year-old who has recently declared for the NBA Draft in April while retaining college eligibility – is mulling over whether to leave or return USC. Meanwhile, James’ other kid competes in high school ball while younger sibling Pamela, too plays her part as she excels at volleyball and his wife Savannah continues with a string of successful projects. Despite the summer break from basketball, there is still plenty on LeBron’s plate over the coming months. He will be representing Team USA in Paris during this year’s Olympic Games alongside fellow NBA stars Kevin Durant and Steph Curry. James added: “I have to rest my body for USA Basketball.” As he considers his future with LA, James remained tight-lipped about whether he still harbours ambitions of playing alongside son Bronny in the league one day. “Obviously I thought about it in the past but at the end of the day, the kid has to do what he wants,” he said when asked if a reunion with his boy was on the cards. “I don’t even want to say ‘kid’ anymore; the young man will decide how he wants his career to go.” With James holding an option in his contract and eligible for free agency this offseason, it remains unclear whether he will still be wearing purple and gold when next season rolls around or if there is a chance that father-son duo could share court space. However, all signs point towards the future Hall of Famer suiting up for record 22nd campaign in basketball.