LeBron James says he hasn't decided his future amid the NBA playoffs

LeBron James said he will take time to consider his future after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the NBA playoffs by Oklahoma City on Monday, a game that could become the last of his career.

The 41‑year‑old delivered a defiant performance with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but it was insufficient to stop the Lakers from losing 115‑110 as the Thunder completed a 4‑0 sweep in the Western Conference semi‑finals.

The four‑time NBA champion is now out of contract with the Lakers and will enter the offseason as a free agent, leaving his next move uncertain.

Some reports suggest James is prepared to re‑sign with the Lakers for what would be a 24th NBA season, while other sources indicate he may explore other teams or contemplate retirement.

When asked about his plans after the loss, James spoke in front of a crowd of courtside Hollywood figures that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Eddie Murphy.

“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” James said.

“Obviously, as it stands right now, tonight, I’ve got a lot of time. I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them, and spend some time with them, and then when the time comes, obviously you guys will know what I decide to do.”

James added that his decision could depend on whether he still feels committed to the demanding routine of playing at the highest level.

“I think for me, it’s about the process — you know, 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.”

Regardless of his choice, the veteran superstar believes he has nothing left to prove after a career filled with milestones and records that may never be matched.

“There’s nothing I need to show in this league,” James said.

“I’ve done it all, I’ve seen it all. So you know, just trying to compete and trying to win championships, I think that’s a motivating factor.”

While James weighs his options, the reigning NBA champions, Oklahoma City, look ahead to a Western Conference finals matchup with either the San Antonio Spurs or the Minnesota Timberwolves for a spot in the NBA Finals.

The Spurs and Timberwolves are tied at 2‑2 in their best‑of‑seven semi‑final series.

The Thunder will be confident after completing an impressive sweep of the Lakers, having also swept Phoenix in the first round.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points.

– Mitchell sparks Cavs –

In the Eastern Conference semi‑finals, Donovan Mitchell recorded a record‑tying second‑half scoring surge as the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a series‑tying 112‑103 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Mitchell poured in 39 points in the second half, finishing with 43 points, five rebounds and two assists.

James Harden contributed 24 points as the Cavs evened the best‑of‑seven series at 2‑2 in front of a packed Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

It marked the third straight game in which Mitchell scored at least 30 points, a stretch that helped Cleveland erase a 0‑2 deficit to level the series.

Mitchell’s 39‑point second half also tied the NBA record for most points in a single half of a postseason game, a mark set by Golden State’s Eric Floyd in 1987.

Mitchell said he apologized to his teammates at halftime after a sluggish first half.

“I was trying to set the tone on offence, and I didn’t do that in the first half. I came in at half‑time and told my guys, ‘It’s on me. I tried to make a statement in the second half,’” Mitchell said.

Detroit had been poised to take a 3‑1 lead, entering halftime with a 56‑52 advantage.

But the seven‑time NBA All‑Star seized control in the third quarter, scoring 21 points as Cleveland sparked a 25‑0 run that flipped the game, giving them a 75‑58 lead that proved decisive.

The series returns to Detroit for Game 5 on Wednesday.

AFP