Basketball legend LeBron James has addressed rumours surrounding his future after his Los Angeles Lakers bowed out of the NBA playoffs on Tuesday (AEST).
The 39-year-old’s franchise lost by two points to reigning NBA champions the Denver Nuggets to complete their 4-1 series loss in the first round of the playoffs.
It has sparked wild speculation around the future of the league’s all-time leading scorer, who is yet to commit to playing next season.
Newsletters: Our top sports news direct to your inbox. Subscribe now
James wouldn’t be drawn on the topic when asked after the game, and felt compelled to double down on his position via social media when speculation only intensified thereafter.
“I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future,” he tweeted.
“I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet (whether I will play on) as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family and friends!
“When I know after speaking with the fam, my counsel, as well as my representation about it, then you guys will know.”
He finished his message by saying “until then” followed by a shushing emoji, and “love” followed by a king’s crown emoji.
Jamal Murray (32 points) hit the game-winner for the Nuggets on Tuesday (AEST) with three seconds on the clock.
Nikola Jokic had 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists for the Nuggets, who had swept the Lakers in the first-round last season.
James had 30 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. He turns 40 next year, with attention now switching to whether he takes up his player option this off-season.
In Miami, Derrick White scored a career-high 38 points as Boston beat the Heat 102-88 to take a 3-1 lead in their eastern conference series.
But it was a costly win, with Kristaps Porzingis going down in the first half with what the team said was a right calf injury.
Bam Adebayo finished with 25 points, 17 rebounds and five assists for Miami, who played again without injured starters Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck).
Boomers guard Patty Mills earned some extended court time for the Heat in an otherwise quiet playoffs campaign, scoring nine points in 22 minutes.
– with AP