When the Los Angeles Lakers wrap up their disastrous season this weekend, they'll do so without LeBron James in uniform. The team announced that the 37-year-old superstar won't play due to soreness in his left ankle, which has kept him sidelined for five of their past six games. James wore street clothes on Tuesday, when Los Angeles was eliminated from playoff contention.
In spite of the Lakers' failures and flawed roster management, James actually produced one of his most impressive campaigns. He averaged 30.3 points --his best mark since the 2009-10 season -- with 6.2 assists and 8.3 rebounds in 56 total games. James couldn't carry this team on his own, though, as they finished 25-31 with him active. So, what comes next for James? Is it possible that he's already played his final game in Los Angeles?
"I believe he's back next year. I just don't see the other option and I think he loves being in L.A.," Andrew Perloff said during the Maggie and Perloff show on Friday. "Why wouldn't he love being in L.A.? His family seems to be happy there, his son plays basketball there, got his entertainment kingdom... He left Cleveland for Miami, perfect basketball situation. He left Miami for Cleveland, again, a sneaky great solution... I don't see the clear basketball move here."
"I think that LeBron will ultimately stay in L.A. also. But, are you then basically waiving the white flag on any titles?" Maggie Gray said. "So if there continues to be injury stuff for Anthony Davis and LeBron himself, they're just making so much money. And if they give LeBron this extension that they can in August -- two-years, $100 million -- how are they going to build this team?... You think now he's okay retiring with four [titles], and not end up challenging Jordan?"
Maggie and Perloff's complete thoughts on James' future with the Lakers can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Maggie and Perloff Show on Twitter @MaggieandPerl and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.