The Los Angeles Lakers are languishing in 13th place in the NBA Western Conference and their mediocre performance is far from pleasing LeBron James, who is wondering about his future with the Californian organization.
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The star player, who will be 38 on Friday, may have averaged 27.8 points per game this season, but that hasn't stopped the Lakers from accumulating losses. They are 14-21 and will miss the playoffs for the second straight year barring an unexpected turnaround.
Asked about the club's repeated failures after a 112-98 loss at the hands of the Miami Heat on Wednesday, James replied in an irritated tone, leaving room for several interpretations.
"I'm a winner and I want to win," he said, as reported by the New York Post. I want to give myself a chance to compete for championships. It has always been my passion and my goal since my arrival in this league. [...] Playing basketball at this level just for fun is not in my DNA. We will see what happens and what my state of mind will be in the next few years.”
Retirement?
Having signed an agreement in August, the renowned athlete has a contract valid for two more years and $97 million. He knows he has less time left in him and each season will be important to reach his goal of a fifth career NBA championship.
“I am thinking about how many years I will play. From a collective point of view, I don't want to end my career playing at this level, he said of the Lakers. I still want to fight for titles, because I know what I can offer to any band with the right songs.
While admitting he would like to spend more time with his sons Bronny and Bryce playing basketball in the school ranks, 'King James' can't say when he will retire, but he wants to maximize his chances of success and stay in top form. .
"I don't have a number in mind. As long as my head wants it, I can play at this level constantly. Physically, it will be fine, since if it is psychologically correct, I will make sure to take care of my body and I will continue to work in this direction”, he underlined.
