‘We’ll see what happens when I don’t exist anymore’: LeBron James quotes Jay-Z in cryptic post, seemingly adding fuel to retirement talk…days after league executives dismissed fears that Lakers star, 38, quits basketball
- Executives accused James of ‘changing the conversation’ of the sweep
- James has long declared his wish to play with his son, which could happen soon
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Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James posted an Instagram story where he quoted legendary rapper Jay Z’s song “What More Can I Say”, – apparently playing into the narrative that he is planning to retire.
James and the Lakers were knocked out of the playoffs in a 4-0 series sweep by the Denver Nuggets last week.
After the match, he told reporters “We’ll see what happens in the future.” I don’t know. I don’t know. I have a lot to think about, to be honest. Just for me personally who is going ahead with basketball.
James’ message on Monday read “I’m supposed to be No. 1 on everyone’s list.” We’ll see what will happen when I no longer exist.
Although James seems to be adding fuel to the fire in terms of retirement speculation, several reports and multiple NBA sources said the retirement talk shouldn’t be taken seriously.
LeBron James posted a quote from rapper Jay-z while in full retirement
Lyrics were released from Jay-z’s song “What More Can I Say” in a cryptic message
‘I’m supposed to be #1 on everyone’s list. We’ll see what will happen when I no longer exist’ read the post
A Western Conference executive went so far as to accuse James of using the retirement talk as a way to change the topic of conversation of the Lakers being swept away since the 38-year-old small forward likes to “control the narrative”.
“He’ll dress up next year,” the exec said, according to Bleacher Report last week. “He just changed the conversation. Now we’re not talking about a sweep; we’re talking about LeBron and retirement. He likes to control the narrative.
“Give it a week,” said another executive. “Let’s see if he says the same thing.
James has also been accused of using the retirement talks as a way to try to leverage the Lakers’ front office by adding another star player to the roster this offseason.
It has been noted that James wants to play with his eldest son Bronny who is only a season away from being able to enter the NBA.
However, NBA executives haven’t taken James’ retirement talks seriously
James was accused of trying to change the conversation after being swept away by Denver
James has long stated his goal of playing in the NBA with his eldest son Bronny James, which can happen in two years.
James has also structured the remaining two years of his contract in a way that allows him to opt out of the deal and sign elsewhere in order to play with his son.
Seeing as James was able to play a full 48 minutes in the Lakers’ last playoff game, while recording 40 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for a near-triple-double, it’s also hard to see him walking away while still clearly having enough gas in the tank to operate at a high level.
A recent report also said James may need surgery to repair a torn tendon in his foot “if he decides to play again”.
Well-educated and informed minds in the league clearly believe it will be more of a “when” James decides to play again, regardless of what he tells reporters or posts on his social media accounts.
