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The Los Angeles Lakers are now 2–1 after defeating the Sacramento Kings without LeBron James and Luka Dončić. James is currently sidelined with an injury and isn’t expected to return until mid-November. This could be James’ final season, and the NBA may be dropping subtle hints about his potential retirement.
“For those looking for clues, there are a few out there. The Nike ‘Forever King’ ad features a narrator speaking about James' career in the past tense -- ‘They called him the Chosen One ... We were all witnesses.’ The Cleveland Cavaliers' ‘Classic Edition’ uniform for this season is the same style James wore when he came into the league as a rookie with the Cavs in 2003-04. The NBA schedule makers had L.A.'s first home game of the season and last road game of the season both be against Stephen Curry and the Warriors, a fitting way for the two most important players of their era to have a proper send-off, if James is indeed on his last lap,” Lakers insider Dave McMenamin wrote.
On Sunday, it was all Austin Reaves, who stepped up in a major way. Reaves set a career high with 51 points, earning praise from James after the game.
“50 piece nugget!!!!! That boy AR TOOOO TOUGH,” James posted.
While this message certainly hyped up Reaves, it also suggested that James doesn’t plan on being traded anytime soon. Trade rumors swirled throughout the summer about James potentially being moved.
“My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract... I'm just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it's impossibility,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said over the summer.
Despite the speculation and drama, James seems fully committed to this Lakers team. The squad has performed well even in his absence.
James is still a few weeks away from returning, but he appears dedicated to staying in Los Angeles. With that in mind, it’s clear that LeBron James remains a Laker.
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