The Los Angeles Lakers had a good run in the 2023 NBA playoffs. They were the seventh seed and it was indeed a huge surprise to everyone that they had booked a seat in the postseason. LeBron James and Co. managed to get past the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, aided by Ja Morant’s absence due to a hand injury.

Next, the Lakers sent a statement to the rest of the league by knocking out the defending champs, the Golden State Warriors. It seemed like they had the talent to go all the way, especially with how they played through the pressure up until that point. However, Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets stood in the Lakers’ way. King James got swept in the playoffs this year, and it was only the third time in his legendary career.

LeBron James played the last few months of the season with a torn tendon in his foot that could need surgery this summer, per @ShamsCharania

(Via @PatMcAfeeShow ) pic.twitter.com/frFArj1Dny

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 25, 2023

Speaking of the 4x NBA champ, recent reports have mentioned that he played with a torn tendon in his foot for the entirety of the 2023 playoffs. Obviously, an injury of that stature is no joke, and it’s astonishing how he managed to put in a shift on most nights despite being injured. Despite this, the news has sparked huge controversy on the internet. 

Playing with a torn tendon is painful asf

— Rjey (@RjeyTech) May 25, 2023

So he have excuse for 0-4 vs Nuggets?

— DYD BETTING (@dydbetting) May 25, 2023

Bet you we’d never hear this if they didn’t lose

— Maple Bruin (@MapleBruu) May 25, 2023

We knew this, he’s still top 5 when healthy

— Pickle (@betpickle) May 25, 2023

A fan tweeted, “Playing with a torn tendon is painful asf,” while another wrote, “Bet you we’d never hear this if they didn’t lose,” indicating that the injury news was just an excuse. This comes hours after James was accused of trying to control the narrative with retirement talks.

Is LeBron James retiring this year?

LeBron just wrapped up his 20th year in the league. He averaged 27.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 71 games including playoffs. These numbers clearly indicate that he has everything it takes to perform at the highest level. The King has managed to play through multiple injuries this year as well, which is surprising considering his age. 

Recently, LeBron admitted that his future was a question mark. He said, “We’ll see what happens going forward. I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest.” It isn’t all that surprising that retirement is a plausible option for the legend, especially since he’s 38 years old right now. There aren’t many players putting on a show like he is at the same age. 

With that said, LeBron has not openly revealed his decision yet. There has been plenty of speculations surrounding his future, where some believe his son Bronny James could well and truly be a deciding factor as well.