Videos

Patrick Beverley says LeBron James won’t retire because he’s ‘chasing some s–t’

Published by
Mike Battaglino

Add Patrick Beverley to the growing chorus that believes LeBron James simply loves basketball too much to actually retire from the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar ignited talk about possibly walking away from the game almost immediately after they were swept in the Western Conference Finals by the Denver Nuggets. Since James made cryptic comments about his future and the status of the league without him in it, most observers have decided that James isn’t all that serious about hanging it up.

That includes Beverley, who was James’ teammate on the Lakers this season before being traded in February.

“I don’t think he’s gon’ retire,” Beverley said at about the 1:18:00 mark. “He chasing some s— too.”

The stuff that James may be chasing likely includes a fifth NBA title. The Lakers’ improvement this season with a healthier Anthony Davis and standout play from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura in particular may have convinced James that Los Angeles has a championship window.

The Lakers reportedly are looking to add Naz Reid, and Bobby Portis is interested in reuniting with Darvin Ham. Los Angeles seems unlikely to work out a sign-and-trade to add Kyrie Irving, even though James may be the one pushing for that to happen.

James played through a tendon injury in his foot that could require surgery this offseason. Despite that injury, the 38-year-old was still among the best players in the NBA this regular season, averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.

“I just think that he loves ball,” Beverley said. “The motherf—– love basketball. He loves the preparation that comes with it, the work you have to put in it, the dog days that come with it, the vibes around it. He a real hooper.”

James has also previously stated a desire to play in the NBA with his son Bronny. The younger James has committed to play next season at the University of Southern California, so his dad would have to play two more seasons to make a pairing happen.

Fans can expect talk about what the elder James will or won’t do to dominate much of the NBA offseason in the same way he has dominated on and off the court since his arrival in the league.

Mike Battaglino

Mike is a veteran journalist who has covered the NBA for almost three decades. He remembers the birth of "Showtime" and has always admired the star power the Lakers have brought to the game.

Published by
Mike Battaglino

Recent Posts

Paul Pierce on if he was more clutch than LeBron James: ‘Facts’

Former NBA star Paul Pierce believes that he was more clutch during his NBA career…

March 27, 2024

D’Angelo Russell says he wants to stay with Lakers, plans to take advantage of spot he’s in

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell — who could become a free agent this summer…

March 27, 2024

LeBron says it ‘bothers the f–k out of me’ that youngsters have 1-on-1 mentality: ‘Some guys don’t wanna learn’

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is seemingly very against the one-on-one mentality a lot…

March 27, 2024

Report: Lakers could have help on the way before their 6-game road trip ends

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly could have guard Gabe Vincent back with the team before…

March 26, 2024

Report: Bronny James‘ college career could undergo major change if he remains at USC

Bronny James' college basketball career could have a bit of a twist ahead depending on…

March 26, 2024

Gilbert Arenas proclaims Lakers will ‘smack’ Thunder in 1st round, then beat ‘Flippers’ in 2nd round

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas believes that the Los Angeles Lakers will make the Western…

March 25, 2024