LeBron James quotes Jay-Z in cryptic post seemingly adding fuel to retirement talk

Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James posted an Instagram story where he quoted legendary rapper Jay Z’s song ‘What More Can I Say,’ – seemingly playing up the narrative that he is considering retirement.

James and the Lakers got eliminated from the playoffs in a 4-0 series sweep by the Denver Nuggets last week.

Following the game, he told reporters ‘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. Just for me personally going forward with the game of basketball.’

James’ post on Monday read ‘I’m supposed to be #1 on everybody list. We’ll see what happens when I no longer exist.’

Despite James appearing to add fuel to the fire in terms of his retirement speculation, several reports and multiple NBA sources have stated that the retirement talk should not be taken seriously.

LeBron James posted a quote from rapper Jay-z while in the midst of retirement talks

The lyrics were posted from Jay-z’s song ‘What More Can I Say’ in a cryptic message

‘I’m supposed to be #1 on everybody list. We’ll see what happens when I no longer exist’ read the post

One Western Conference executive went as far as to accuse James of using the retirement talk as a way of changing the conversation topic from the Lakers being swept since the 38-year-old small forward loves to ‘control the narrative.’

‘He’ll suit up next year,’ the executive said, according to Bleacher Report last week. ‘He just changed the conversation. Now we’re not talking about a sweep; we’re talking about LeBron and retirement. He loves to control the narrative.’ 

‘Give it a week,’ another executive said. ‘Let’s see if he’s saying the same thing.’ 

James has also been accused of using the retirement talks as a way of trying to leverage the Lakers front office adding another star player to the roster this offseason.

It has been well noted that James wishes to play with his eldest son Bronny who is now only one season away from being able to enter the NBA. 

Executives around the NBA have not taken James retirement talks seriously however

James has been accused of trying to change the conversation after being swept by Denver

James has long stated the goal of playing in the NBA with his eldest son Bronny James which can happen in two years

James has also structured the remaining two years left on his contract in a way that would allow him to opt out of the deal and sign elsewhere in order to play with his son.

Seeing as though James was able to play a full 48 minutes in the Lakers final game of the postseason, while recording 40 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists for a near-triple double it is also tough to see him stepping away while clearly having enough gas left in the tank to perform at a high level.

A recent report also stated that James may need an operation to repair a torn tendon in his foot ‘if’ he decides to play again. 

The well-educated and informed minds around the league clearly believe that will be more of a ‘when’ James decides to play again, regardless of what he tells reporters or post on his social media accounts.