Breaking: LeBron James considering retirement following playoff loss

According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, LeBron James is considering retirement from the NBA. The legendary forward suffered the ignominy of being swept in the Western Conference Finals, losing to the Denver Nuggets 4-0.

"Lakers star LeBron James is uncertain if he'll be with the team when the 2023-24 season starts in the fall, and retirement is under consideration, league sources tell Bleacher Report, TNT," Haynes wrote. "Through this season, LeBron has discussed a strong desire to play in the NBA with Bronny, his oldest son, who is a projected member of the 2024 NBA Draft class."

James, 38, has maintained a high level of productivity this season, being selected to the All-NBA third team as a result. Throughout the regular season, LeBron averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists on 50% shooting from the field and 32.1% shooting from deep.

That productivity level didn't skip a beat once the postseason began, either. Playing an average of 38 minutes per game, LeBron James provided 23.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on 48.9% shooting from the field.

However, LeBron will be 39 in October. Given his struggles with a lingering foot injury this year, LeBron may feel that now is the right time to call it quits on an illustrious career that has spanned two decades.

Yet, as Haynes also noted in his report, he does hold interest in remaining in the NBA until his son, Bronny James, is drafted.

"Through this season, LeBron has discussed a strong desire to play in the NBA with Bronny, his oldest son, who is a projected member of the 2024 NBA Draft class."

As such, LeBron is likely to take his time in coming to his final decision regarding his future, despite failing to win his fifth NBA championship this season.

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Carmelo Anthony retired on May 22

On Monday, May 22, Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement from the NBA after being without a team for the entirety of the 2022-23 season. Both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony came into the league during the same 2003 draft cycle. LeBron was drafted first overall, while Carmelo was taken with the third pick.

Carmelo and LeBron have been close friends since their AAU days. Yet, despite the former New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets superstar being seen as one of the best scorers in NBA history, Carmelo Anthony was unable to win a championship during his career.

Upon his retirement, Carmelo Anthony called time on a career that saw him average 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 1260 regular-season games. He also shot the rock at a 44.7% clip from the field and 35.5% clip from the perimeter during his regular-season activities.

Still, unlike LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony had shown significant regression during his final few years in the NBA and struggled to find a consistent home within the league.

As such, NBA fans worldwide will be hoping that the Western Conference Finals loss against the Denver Nuggets isn't the final chapter in LeBron James' career and that he continues gracing the hardwood for the foreseeable future.