Chris Paul understands exactly what LeBron James will do amid retirement rumors

In response, Paul acknowledged that physically, LeBron has given no indication he's done but said the harder question isn't about the body.

"Yeah, it's tough," he said. "I think what he'll do is probably what he said. I think he said go talk to his family, evaluate it."

"I know when you get up to that age, 41 or whatever, he didn't show that he lost the ability to still play at a high level, get himself ready for the games," Paul continued. "But it's the mental aspect of it, right? Even though you're grateful for the opportunity to play and do all these different things, there's a point where the off seasons just get a little bit longer and the preparation for each game and the time away from your family is tough."

The Monday night loss was a bitter end to what had been a genuinely impressive run. During the regular season, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks across 60 games at age 41, shooting 51.5% from the field in his 22nd NBA season.

The Lakers then punched past the Houston Rockets in six games in the first round with LeBron dropping 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the series clincher before running into Oklahoma City's wall. Across the full playoffs, he averaged 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists. The Thunder, without Jalen Williams for much of the series, still had too much depth.

For LeBron, it turned out to be the third straight year the Lakers failed to advance past the second round.

LeBron James not ready to make any commitments just yet

LeBron James is a free agent this summer. He has made no public announcement about his future, saying only that he plans to take time, go home and talk it over with his family before making any decisions.

After the sweep, LeBron sat at the postgame podium and was asked directly about his future. He was careful not to close any doors, but equally careful not to open any.

"I don't know what the future holds for me, obviously, as it stands right now tonight," James said. "I've got a lot of time now. Like I said last year after we lost to Minnesota, I'll go back and recalibrate with my family, talk with them, spend some time with them. And then obviously when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do."

He was then pressed further on what would drive the decision either way.

"I think for me it's about the process," James said. "If I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena five and a half hours before a game to start preparing for a game, giving everything I got, diving for loose balls, and doing everything that you know that it takes to go out and play."

At 41, heading into what would be a 23rd NBA season, the conversation is whether James returns to the Lakers, considers a move to Cleveland, Golden State or elsewhere, or walks away entirely.

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