LeBron James references Michael Jordan as retirement decision looms

The Oklahoma City Thunder took care of business against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, sweeping the playoff series to advance on. With the loss, the Lakers’ season is now in the books.

And that means the future of LeBron James is officially up in the air.

James is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after spending eight seasons with the Lakers. Rumors have swirled that James could move on with Cleveland and Golden State being the two teams connected to him. James could also decide to retire after his 23rd season in the league. Either way, he has a major decision to make that could shape the landscape of the NBA to an extent this Summer.

But after the game, James met the media and while he didn’t say anything to indicate a decision has been made, he did reference Michael Jordan.

LeBron James points to Michael Jordan as retirement questions loom

It’s no secret that the GOAT debate between James and Jordan will go on for as long as time. But there’s also a mutual respect between the two. On Monday night, following the loss James met the media and his final answer had a Jordan reference.

He pointed to an interview that Jordan did on NBC with Mike Tirico, mentioning his love for the game.

“[Jordan] was just talking about his desire for the game still, like even though he’s not playing, but like he still loves the game,” James said after the Game 4 loss. “Like that would never go away. Like we grow up playing a game that we love, and you do it at a high level, and I don’t think that’ll ever go away.”

For James, it’s all about the process.

He doesn’t believe that the love of the game will ever go away, just like Jordan. But instead, it’s the process and if he can continue on with that.

“I’ve always enjoyed the process more than the outcome, so I think that would be a big factor,” James revealed. “Then also, have a conversation with my 12-year-old daughter, that’s a big factor. And my 19-year-old son is entering his second year at Arizona, and my wife, as well. So, they’re a huge factor in any decision I’ve made. So, they’ll be a big part of it as well.”

James’ decision will likely come in the next few weeks. When he’s done, he will still be compared to Jordan as both careers will officially be finished.

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