LeBron James has posted another cryptic message on social media as he continues to consider retiring from playing in the NBA this offseason.
After the Los Angeles Lakers lost the Western Conference finals to the Denver Nuggets in four games earlier this month, James, 38, hinted for the first time in his 20-year professional career that he had retirement on his mind. And the All-Star has yet to clarify those comments publicly in the week since.
That is despite being as active as ever on social media, commenting on NBA referee Eric Lewis reportedly being under investigation for having a 'burner' Twitter account for one. James has also dropped many more cryptic posts that have only left many onlookers guessing.
After Game Six between his former team, the Miami Heat, and the Boston Celtics, he implied he was due to come into some money with a post on his Instagram story. James captioned an image of receiving a phone call from 'MONEY' with: "Sorry, I gotta take this call! BRB (be right back)".
He has now posted Jay-Z lyrics while responding to a fan page paying tribute to his career. James shared a post stating we should "appreciate him while he’s still here" before adding "more greatness (is) on the way…".
Posting it onto his Instagram story, James responded with the lyric: "I supposed to be number one on everybody's list. We'll see what happens when I no longer exist."
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While the intentions behind the latest cryptic clue are unclear, what is known is that James has decisions to make over the offseason. Firstly, from a health perspective, there needs to be a call made on whether to undergo surgery on a torn foot tendon that he has been playing through for months now.
Then there is the question about the Laker's future. James has a two-year $97 million contract kicking in when next season starts.
The second year is a player option, allowing him to become a free agent in 2024. Opting out of that gives James flexibility to join up with his eldest son Bronny should the teenager enter the draft after a year in college at USC.
After again being named an All-NBA selection - in the third team - James is also the subject of trade speculation. The Golden State Warriors is one discussed destination that would facilitate staying in Florida and potentially offer a better chance of winning a championship.
Alternatively, the prospect of finally reuniting with Kyrie Irving, an unrestricted free agent this summer, in Lakerland after the organisation opted against the opportunity at the trade deadline could further persuade James. That is one of several front-office decisions to come.
James can make one of those for them by honouring his contract and committing to staying. He and Anthony Davis, Jared Vanderbilt and Max Christie are their only under-contract players heading into the offseason.
