LeBron James has cast doubt over whether he will continue playing in the NBA after the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a comprehensive playoff exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 41-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, may have appeared in his final professional match following the Lakers' 115-110 defeat, which completed a 4-0 series loss in the Western Conference semi-final.
Following the match, James said: "What my future [holds], I don't know, obviously.
"I mean, this is obviously still fresh from losing, and I don't know. I mean, I don't know what the future holds for me as it stands right now tonight.
LeBron James has hinted at retirement
|REUTERS
"I got a lot of time to sit back like I think I said last year after we lost, I think to Minnesota, to go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them and spend some time with them and then when the time comes, I'll obviously you guys will know what I decide to do.
"It's about the process - if I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena five and a half hours before a game to start preparing."
James holds the NBA's all-time scoring record and has won four championships and four Most Valuable Player awards during his remarkable career.
The veteran made clear he feels no pressure to demonstrate his abilities any further.
James holds the record as the NBA's highest points scorer of all time
|REUTERS
LATEST SPORTS NEWS
James said: "There's nothing I need to show in this league.
"I've done it all; I've seen it all. Just trying to compete and trying to win championships - that's a motivating factor."
James contributed 24 points in the defeat at the Crypto.com Arena, though his efforts were overshadowed by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered 35 points and eight assists for the Thunder.
Speaking about the defeat, he said: "Obviously, we fell a little short, but I'm not looking at my year as a disappointment, that's for damn sure.
James contributed 24 points in the defeat at the Crypto.com Arena
|REUTERS
"I was put in some positions I never played in my career before, actually in my life. I've never been a third option in my life.
"So, to be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back into the role that I've been accustomed with over my career or my life playing this sport and be able to thrive under that and then just my teammates allowing me to lead them under extreme circumstances.
"I thought that was pretty cool for me at this stage of my career."
James said 'a motivating factor' for him is winning championships
|REUTERS
Oklahoma City, which swept the Phoenix Suns in the opening round, will face either the Minnesota Timberwolves or San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference final, with that semi-final series currently tied at 2-2.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference semi-finals saw the Cleveland Cavaliers level their series against the Detroit Pistons at 2-2 following a 112-103 home victory.
Donovan Mitchell produced a stunning 43-point display at Rocket Arena, including 39 in the second half alone, matching Eric Floyd's 1987 record for most points in a single half of a playoff contest.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter