LeBron James called the Lakers’ early playoff exit “a disappointment” and said he will take time this offseason to evaluate how much longer he wants to play in the NBA.
Speaking after the Lakers’ 103-96 Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves on Wednesday, James admitted falling short of the Finals continues to weigh heavily on him.
“Every season that I did not make it to the Finals or did not win a championship has been a disappointment,” James said during his postgame press conference. “So it’d be the same for me.”
Despite a late-season push that secured the No. 3 seed in a competitive Western Conference, the Lakers were unable to overcome Minnesota’s size and defense.
Rudy Gobert finished with playoff career highs of 27 points and 24 rebounds, punishing the Lakers’ small-ball lineup that lacked a traditional center.
The Timberwolves missed 40 of their 47 three-point attempts but outrebounded Los Angeles 54-37 and outscored them 22-16 in the fourth quarter to clinch the series.
Luka Doncic had 28 points and nine assists in his first postseason with Los Angeles, while James contributed 22 points and six assists.
The Lakers have now failed to advance past the first round in four of the last five seasons.
James said he remains unsure about his playing future and will consult with his family before deciding on a return for Year 23.
“Something I’ll sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group and kind of just talk through it,” he said. “I don’t know the answer to that right now.”
The four-time champion also praised rookie head coach JJ Redick for navigating a challenging season and keeping the locker room together.
“I thought JJ and his coaching staff were great throughout the whole season,” James said. “That’s one thing for sure — that in here is a great coach.”
Los Angeles made a bold midseason trade to acquire Doncic, shifting its offensive identity to build around his game.
James acknowledged the adjustment was difficult, noting the limited time the team had to establish chemistry before the playoffs.
“There were times where we obviously didn’t look so well… but I think we kind of figured it out later in the season,” he said.
Asked about the physical toll of playing centerless basketball for most of the final stretch, James declined to elaborate and simply said, “No comment.”
He did, however, express that playing alongside his son Bronny ranked “number one” among his career achievements.
“To be able to play the game that I love and to be able to be along my son this whole year has been one of the most gratifying, satisfying journeys I’ve ever been on,” he said.
As the Lakers enter the offseason with uncertainty around James’ future and potential roster changes, speculation is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
James has a player option for the 2025-26 season and could either return to Los Angeles or explore other possibilities.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, advance to the second round and await the winner of the Golden State–Houston series.
