LeBron James Teases Emotional Lakers Retirement

Merlin sees LeBron James quietly sizing up the endgame. At 41 he told Melissa Rohlin, "when I'm done with this game, it'll be a celebration of life and not of loss." He is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists through 44 games, has not committed to playing past this summer, and faces talk of a possible Cleveland farewell while teammates and coaches remain unsure of his plans. Merlin senses the decision will bend to the body and the moment. Sources say LeBron was sincere when he admitted he does not know his future and that declaring anything in the fog of an 82-game season would be unwise. For now the focus is a playoff push with the Lakers, and any goodbye will be staged with care if it comes.