17-Year NBA Veteran's LeBron James Prediction After Lakers-Wolves

Former NBA star Lou Williams got honest about LeBron James' situation after the Los Angeles Lakers' season ended

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Even after trading for young superstar Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers did not have enough firepower to get past the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers officially ended their 2024-25 season after a Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

The Lakers' superstar duo of Doncic and LeBron James had as high expectations as any other tandem in the NBA, but fell short at the hands of Anthony Edwards and company.

Now, all eyes are on LeBron James. The 40-year-old is certainly nearing retirement, but will he decide to hang them up this offseason?

Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with a referee in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

17-year NBA veteran and former LA Clippers' Sixth Man of the Year winner, Lou Williams, shared his prediction on whether or not James will retire this summer.

"LeBron is going to hold his cards close to his chest until he gets what he wants out of this scenario," Williams said. "Luka was a great start, but they gotta round out the edges. ...He's not gonna retire after a series like that."

. @TeamLou23 says LeBron James will NOT retire 👀

"LeBron is going to hold his cards close to his chest until he gets what he wants out of this scenario...Luka was a great start, but they gotta round out the edges. ... He's not gonna retire after a series like that." pic.twitter.com/h0jgxjuLhI

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 1, 2025

After their season-ending loss on Wednesday night, James gave an interesting response when asked how much longer he wants to play.

"I don't know the answer to that right now," James said.

LeBron James on how much longer he plans to play: "I don't know the answer to that right now.”

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) May 1, 2025

James, a 21-time All-Star, four-time MVP, and four-time NBA champion, showed he has some gas left in the tank, and the Lakers still have plenty of room to improve with him and Doncic at the helm. There is a small chance that James played his last career game on Wednesday, as he likely has too much pride to go out on a first-round exit.