Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Defers Comments on LeBron James' Potential Final Game
The Los Angeles Lakers tried their best but got swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. LeBron James' 24 points weren't enough to give the Lakers a chance to extend the Western Conference semifinals, as the team suffered a 115-110 defeat to end their season.
Ahead of Game 4, the narrative was that it could potentially be James' final game. The four-time champion did not receive a contract extension, and he's in the final year of his two-year, $101.3 million contract. His future with the Lakers remains uncertain, since he has not hinted at anything about what the next chapter of his basketball career would be.
During the postgame interview, head coach JJ Redick was asked about his thoughts on potentially coaching James for the final time. However, he said that he hasn't put much thought into it.
"I haven't even thought about that. We'll deal with the offseason in the offseason, which is the next two months," Redick said.
JJ Redick on this maybe being the last time he coaches LeBron:
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 12, 2026
"I haven't even thought about that. We'll deal with the offseason in the offseason, which is the next two months."
James had just finished his 23rd season, and he's still playing at an all-time high. Playing his 24th season isn't impossible for the Lakers star. However, he can control his future and retire from the game while he's still at an elite level.
There's also a chance for the four-time champion to join a team for a year. Returning to the Lakers would not be a surprise to many. He's also been linked to several teams that could offer him a one-year deal in the summer for the 2026-27 season.
LeBron James' Future Remains Uncertain
Fresh off a playoff loss, James isn't thinking much about what his next step would be. According to him, his family will play a major role in his decision, whether that's him retiring or continuing for another season.
"I don't know, obviously. We're still fresh from losing," James said. "I don't know what the future holds for me as it stands right now, tonight."
"I don't know what the future holds for me" - LeBron James pic.twitter.com/FzbbRCH0JE
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 12, 2026
James ended his 23rd season with a bang. Although he missed a large portion of the start of the campaign due to injury, he proved that he can still be a factor for the Lakers.
The four-time MVP appeared in 60 games and averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists. He became an All-Star for a 22nd straight season. However, his streak of being an All-Star starter ended.
Fans are eager to know what the future holds for James.
Related: Is LeBron James Retiring After Lakers-Thunder Series?
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 11:25 PM.