The Los Angeles Lakers suffered the biggest blow of all in the Western Conference Finals. The team coached by Darvin Ham was defeated in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets 113-111 at Crypto.com Arena, which means a series sweep for the Nuggets. Beyond the loss and not being able to win their 18th NBA title in franchise history, the Lakers' star forward, LeBron James, had a cryptic message in the post-game press conference.
"It was a pretty cool trip. But I don't know, I don't know. I don't like to say it was a successful year because I don't play for anything besides winning championships at this point in my career. ... It's not fun for me not to be able to be part of getting to the Finals. But we'll see, we'll see. We'll see what happens going forward. I don't know, I don't know. I've got a lot to think about, to be honest, I've got a lot to think about," said the all-time leading scorer in NBA history behind the veil of a baseball cap.
The 38-year-old's words gave rise to several interpretations. Some say it means goodbye to the Lakers. Although the most widely held opinion is that it is the prelude to the announcement of his retirement.
In his last game of the season, LeBron James set a new record: he became the longest-tenured NBA player to score 40 points in a Playoff game. He finished the game with a double-double of 40 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists.
LeBron James with a historic Game 4 👏
40 PTS (15-25 FG)
10 REB
9 ASTHe becomes the oldest player in NBA history to record 40 PTS in a Playoff game. pic.twitter.com/s1qaAyGmcF
— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2023
