LeBron James accidentally leaked shock retirement plans during NBA All Star Game months ago in secret chat

LEBRON James and the Los Angles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs and the King’s future is now in question. 

The 38-year-old sent shockwaves through the NBA world Monday night after hinting at retirement but this is not the first time.

GettyLeBron James hints at retirement[/caption]

GettyLeBron James is the NBA all-time points leader[/caption]

James and the Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets last night in a game where LeBron set a new personal career-high for points scored in the first half of a playoff game.

After the game, James was very open and candid about his thought on his future moving forward.

“I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest.” James said at the postgame press conference.

“Just for me personally, going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”

James followed up his comments and offered more clarity to Bleacher Report.

“I’m simply not sure if I’ll be back in the fall when the season begins,” James told BR’s Chris Haynes.

“I have a lot to think about.”

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin expressed on Sportscenter that he was told by a source that James was affected by the travel and physicality in the first round against to  Memphis Grizzlies.

He also conveyed that their second round against Golden State Warriors “brought back old demons” from his previous finals matchup when James was in Cleveland.

However, this is not the four-time NBA champion’s first time alluding to stepping away from the game.

During All-Star weekend, James was heard commenting on his future in February and his desire to play with his son. 

“I got to slow down,” James says.

“Couple more years.”

The NBA legend has long persisted that he wanted to play until he can share the floor with his son ‘Bronny James.

“I need to be on the floor with my boy. I got to be on the floor with Bronny,” James said earlier this year, per ESPN. 

“I ask him what are his aspirations, and he says he wants to play in the NBA,” James continued.

“So, if he wants do to it, he’s got to put in the work. I’m here already, so I’m just waiting on him.”

That dream may not become a reality, and James acknowledged as much after the Lakers were eliminated.

“He’s going to do what’s best for him. And as his dad, and his mom, Savannah, and his brother and sister, we’re going to support him in whatever he decides to do,” James stated after the game.

“So, just because that’s my aspiration or my goal, doesn’t mean it’s his. And I’m absolutely OK with that.”