LeBron James Won't Commit to Lakers Return

Normally, LeBron James doesn't have any problem with speaking his mind. But last night, the NBA's "woke hero" for the past two decades suddenly had nothing to say when asked by reporters if this was his last game with the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Was there any thought that tonight was your last night with the Lakers?" a reporter asked the future Hall of Famer who has now lost 4 straight playoff series in a row with LA.

"Umm, I'm not going to answer that," the King replied before putting down the microphone and walking off the podium.

It wouldn't be the first time LeBron James walked away last night - he also stormed off the court after the Lakers came up short 108-106 to the Denver Nuggets, who will now advance to the next round of the NBA playoffs.

LEBRON JAMES GONE FROM LOS ANGELES?

To his credit, LeBron did rise to the occasion and drop 30 points. However, the NBA's next generation of players - including Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, was able to dethrone King James once again by hitting a jump shot with 5 seconds remaining giving the Nuggets a two-point lead.

In six seasons with LA, James has only won 1 Championship, which came in 2020, during the Covid-shortened season.

The 39-year-old James has until June 29th to either opt into the final year of his contract and make a ridiculous $51.4 MILLION or become an unrestricted free agent.

For now, James said he's going to focus on his family, which includes his son Bronny James. He entered the NBA Draft after his freshman year at USC while also leaving an option to return to the team as a sophomore. Bronny's draft decision hasn't been met with wide support.

LeBron has previously expressed his desire to play basketball with his son at the NBA level. 

"My last year will be played with my son," James told The Athletic in 2022. "Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point."

That was back in 2022. 

Last night? LeBron was much quieter - saying that he "hadn't given it much thought" regarding a return to the NBA for what would be his 22nd season. 

WHAT'S NEXT FOR LEBRON?

Some of his reluctance may come from the fact that Lakers head coach Darvin Ham is now on the hot seat after coming up short for his second year running the team. 

"It's been a hell of a two years, though, I'll tell you that. Sitting in this seat, it's been a hell of a two years. A lot of good things that got done, but ultimately, you want to win that ultimate prize. I know what that feels like. I had that feeling a couple of times," Ham said after last night's loss.

Anyone who has followed LeBron's career knows that he's not one to just pack up his bags and leave. Personally, I think that we haven't seen the last of him - he's going to want to get that farewell tour action in all the cities that he once dominated playing against on the court.

The only question is - what jersey will he be rocking when he does?