LeBron James drops major hint about post-retirement plans

LeBron James hasn’t played for the Los Angeles Lakers since March 8 after aggravating a groin injury in the defeat to the Boston Celtics. That was the first of four successive losses for JJ Redick’s team, who have nevertheless bounced back impressively in the continued absence of “The King”.

Wednesday’s win over the Denver Nuggets was the Lakers’ third in a row, with Luka Doncic (31 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists) and Austin Reaves (22 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists) inspiring the team to victory on the court. But LeBron also played a very important, and very visible, role in the triumph, despite not suiting up.

LeBron’s role in Lakers win over Nuggets

James, wearing a Columbus Blue Jackets Stadium Series jersey and combat pants, cut an animated figure on the touchline as he helped Redick out with coaching duties. Although clips of the 40-year-old giving instructions to his team didn’t pick up any intelligible audio, his hand gestures certainly helped him look the part (and we have to assume he knows what he’s talking about, given his career).

Will LeBron James coach in the NBA?

Could LeBron James coach in the NBA in the future? The four-time MVP is coming towards the end of the first year of a two-year contract extension he signed with the Lakers last July. The deal includes a player option for the 2025/26 season, which means he could call it quits in the summer, although it appears unlikely given his performances this season.

In November, the veteran star claimed he’s “not going to play much longer,” which wasn’t especially revelatory considering his age. However, he previously stated, in 2017, that he felt he didn’t have the patience required to become a coach.

That was eight years ago, though, and a lot can change in eight years.

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