Anthony Davis and LeBron James were forced to reckon with being swept out of the Western Conference Finals after a dream playoff run saw them supersede expectations and push for a championship.
Chris Haynes reported after the game that Davis was extremely upset after the loss and was sitting stunned at his locker before LeBron came and consoled him.
“AD didn’t move from his locker for 45 mins. He kept repeating, ‘I can’t believe this shit’ as he stared into space. LeBron came over to him and told him, “We did the best we could’.”
“AD didn’t move from his locker for 45 mins. He kept repeating ‘I can’t believe this shit’ as he stared into space.”
LeBron came over to him and told him, “We did the best we could.”
– @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/BNkrTJtPAa
— The Laker Files (@LakerFiles) May 23, 2023
James’ speculating on his own retirement after the game has definitely changed the tone of the conversation around this team. Anthony Davis will not be pleased with the thought of his co-star possibly hanging up his sneakers and retiring after a season like the one the Lakers just went through.
A Make-Or-Break Offseason For The Lakers
Even though LA will not rush LeBron James into making a final decision around his retirement, they will have to draw up contingency plans for it. They are still clearly in win-now mode, with no pick next season and two years of Anthony Davis still on the books. Austin Reaves would become their biggest offseason priority, as they will need to retain the 25-year-old to have a young star to plan their future around.
If LeBron stays, the Lakers will have to decide between running it back with the core they assembled this season or going for a big fish like Kyrie Irving. It still does look like Irving will likely be on the Mavericks next season, but if Kyrie is the condition on which LeBron returns for next season, the Lakers will give every asset they own to ensure he’s wearing the purple and gold come training camp.
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