If the Lakers lose the fifth game of the playoffs and are eliminated by the Timberwolves, why is LeBron James likely to retire?

After the Los Angeles Lakers led by LeBron James lost 113-116 to the Minnesota Timberwolves at home, the series was 1-3 behind. Although it is not impossible for the team to achieve a big reversal when they are behind 1-3, it is obvious that the Lakers are already on the edge of the cliff this season. The last NBA team to complete a 1-3 major reversal was the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 Western Conference Semi-Finals, when they reversed the Los Angeles Clippers 1-3.

James also had a feat of a major reversal in the playoffs 1-3 behind. In 2016, he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to achieve a major reversal 1-3 in the Finals, defeating the Golden State Warriors, and finally winning the NBA championship that year. So, does James, who is now 40, have enough firepower to do something similar?

According to the current situation, the Lakers' 2024-25 season may end as early as May 1, 2025 Beijing time, when they will host the Wolves at home for their fifth game. With this reality in mind, let's consider why a first-round defeat might mean the end of LeBron James' career.

If the Lakers are eliminated early in the 2025 NBA playoffs, why LeBron James may retire

The Lakers' lineup is insufficient, and the salary hits of LeBron James and Luka Doncic account for 65.27% of the Lakers' current season salary. James earns $48,728,845 annually, while Doncic earns $43,031,940 annually (all data comes from Spotrac). While that number will drop to 63.77% in the upcoming season, it is unlikely to make a huge change in lineup construction.

In Sunday's loss, the lack of lineup depth was obvious, with Lakers coach Redick having to put James, Doncic, Austin Reeves, Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith on the field throughout the second half.

Although it is normal to play in the playoffs for a long time, for people of James' age, such a long time can be a disaster. Overall, in Game 4, James, Hachimura, Reeves and Doncic combined to score 105 points, while the rest of the team only scored 8 points.

As the Lakers enter the next season, there will not be much room for trading. The most they can do is to trade any of Hachimura Hachimura ($18259,259), Finney Smith ($15378,480), or Reeves ($139,37,574).

Even if the Lakers successfully complete the deal, the problem is that trading one of their key players for a center will make other positions weak, which once again continues the team's lack of depth. Second, James has player options in the 2025-26 season

LeBron James' contract is worth $101,355,998, and has player options in the upcoming season. This paved the way for James's career. Last December, CBS Sports reported that despite claiming he could play high-level games for another five to seven years, he said he was developing an annual plan.

In the same interview, James also said that he might end his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and he doesn't want to go to another team before his career ends. As the team's loopholes are obvious, James may retire due to the unrealistic view of winning the championship next year. Third, the Lakers lack draft capital

According to Bleacher Report's latest mock draft, the Los Angeles Lakers will have no draft picks in the first round. They are expected to finish 55th in the second round. The best way to rebuild is through the draft. Although great players will also be discovered later in the second round, this is often not the case.

Therefore, the Lakers' lack of draft funds may mean the end of James' career.

Last December, LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday, the oldest player in the league. Although he is still playing at a high level, he really has nothing to prove. He said he was considering retirement in the 2023 offseason, so speculation that he might retire in the upcoming offseason is not far-fetched.

LeBron James leads the league in regular season scores, playoff scores, All-Star appearances (21 times) and several other aspects. The four-time champion entered the league since he graduated from high school at the age of 18.

This may be the best time to retire, hoping to watch his son grow into a future NBA star in the NBA.

Friends who like it can follow me and share more NBA related matters with you every day!