The Oklahoma City Thunder brought out the brooms on Monday night, and now the Los Angeles Lakers have one big question to ponder over after their second-round sweep.
LeBron James and his future in Los Angeles.
The 41-year-old remained tight-lipped on his next move, leaving the world wondering if the league’s all-time leading scorer just played his last NBA game. Amid the chatter of potential destinations, one former NFL MVP weighed in with a candid yet blunt take.
Cam Newton Urges LeBron James to Retire After the Lakers’ Heartbreaking Sweep
The Luka Dončić acquisition was meant to extend the championship window and ease the burden on James. However, injuries derailed that plan completely before the postseason even began.
While Austin Reaves battled through an oblique injury to return during the Rockets series, Dončić played zero postseason minutes for the Lakers.
All this time, James stepped up and carried the offense. Although he did turn back the clock against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers could not get the better of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his Thunder.
Former NFL MVP Newton did not mince words when discussing the Lakers’ second-round exit.
Speaking on his podcast, the former Carolina Panthers QB issued a direct plea for James to step away from the game rather than endure another season.
“LeBron! This message is for you, brother,” Newton said. “Go on and hang it up, dog. Cuz I don’t want to see you go out like that. I got too much respect for the James household bloodline. The whole lineage. Gloria and them.”
While noting that he had immense respect for James during his Cleveland stint, his Miami peak, there was little the 41-year-old could do physically to keep Los Angeles competitive.
“We don’t want to see you go out like this,” Newton said. “About time for you to put them up in the rafters… I just don’t want to see this from you, LeBron.”
“Now, paying what was expected of LeBron during this OKC series was similar to the version of LeBron for the Lakers to have a fighting chance, similar to when he was in Cleveland carrying,” Newton said.
But that version of James never arrived, as Oklahoma City brushed the Lakers aside with little effort.
“I mean, carrying… We needed that LeBron… LeBron ain’t capable of doing all that. You couldn’t save the Lakers, brother, you’re 42… the production has kind of subsided a little bit,” Newton added. “Do you know that that was the equivalent of him and his performance his rookie season? LeBron, I don’t want to see you go out like this, brother. Go on and hang it up.”
As for a James-Lakers continuation, the franchise has its cornerstone for the next decade in Dončić.
If James does end up returning for a 24th season, several contenders will likely gauge his interest in a final change of scenery, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will always linger as a romantic option for a farewell tour for the King.
