After twenty-two years of playing with an inexhaustible motor, LeBron James is finally reacting like a human. During the Lakers’ playoff loss in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James collided with Donte DiVincenzo. He knew right away something was wrong. But still, he couldn’t understand the extent of the injury. The Akron Hammer finished the game and aimed to get a further medical overview in a few days. But the pain was just too much.

Although the Lakers saw their season end in Game 5, the 40-year-old still felt like giving his knee some time to rest before getting an MRI. All he knew at that point was “it was a pain that I hadn’t felt before.” Still, before conducting further tests, James thought the soreness would wear off the next morning. But by then, even getting out of bed didn’t come without afterburn.

“This is Wednesday night after the game, and I said, you know, if I wake up Thursday morning and it’s feeling and it didn’t feel any better than, you know, Friday morning, let’s get an MRI Friday morning. Well, when I woke up Thursday morning and tried to get out of bed, I was like, holy s**t. And I called Doc right away. I said, I can’t wait till Friday,” James revealed on Mind The Game.

His deduction revealed great structural damage to his knee. LeBron James suffered an MCL sprain when he crashed knees with DiVincenzo. The doctors told him it would take four to six weeks to fully heal. So even if the Lakers had won Game 5, they would have had to finish the series without LeBron James. And even if it somehow went to seven games, the star forward would have missed a large chunk of the postseason.

via Imago

Obviously, even though not available, James would have hoped to win Game 5 on the Lakers’ home floor. That didn’t happen. But on a positive note, the 40-year-old now has time to properly recover and give his body the rest it needs at this age. He even missed the Met Gala to unwind from what was a physically imposing season. But his behavioral pattern might answer a pressing question around his career. “HTVXT” Add this symbol

Where is LeBron James on his retirement plans?

As of this moment, there’s only one priority for LeBron James. It’s to spend the offseason getting healthy and back in shape. But more than that, he wants to spend time with his family and figure out the next chapter. Is it time to hang up those infamous sneakers and enjoy the fruits of his glittering career?

After the Lakers’ season ended, James remained tight-lipped. “I don’t have an answer to that,” he said. The muted tone suggested he was still indecisive. But more than having talks with his family and close circle, LeBron James wants to have a talk with himself. And not having a clear answer may suggest that internally, the vigor to play basketball still exists within him.

There’s nothing left to prove on the hardwood. Even 22 years into his career, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer earned a place as one of the best players in the league. Furthermore, he accomplished something he had longed for. James got to spend an entire season with Bronny James, a feat that is bigger than anything he has ever achieved in his illustrious career.

However, withdrawing from the Met Gala and still wanting to stay in shape suggests he is still in love with the preparation process. There’s no clarification, but it seems like LeBron James will likely continue for at least another season. There’s optimism within the Lakers. Rob Pelinka might have spilled the beans when saying James would hold high expectations for the Lakers’ roster changes during the offseason.

There’s also another opportunity to spend an entire season besides Luka Doncic. With the Slovenian guard, James spent a lot of time off the ball and remodeling his game to be a second fiddle. In terms of his production, there’s barely any fluctuation. But while he remains a formidable competitor, what will matter is his mental strength.

If LeBron James has the capacity to field another season of relentless travel and a demanding schedule, his body will move on it’s own. But that’s a conversation he is yet to have with himself. And it’s only after he finds a definitive answer that he can make a decision about his future.

Do you think we have seen the last of LeBron James’ NBA career? Let us know your views in the comments below.