LeBron James contemplates retirement after Denver sweeps Lakers | He won with a play in Los Angeles to end the streak

Los Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets They made history in the NBA and entered the Finals for the first time after winning their fourth game Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James’ men beat them 4-0 In the Western Conference definition.

Against the ropes When he finished the first half with 31 points, it seemed that LeBron would do the impossible to give his team a victory. And the Lakers were up 15. But Denver came out strong in the third quarter and, as it usually does, went 16 for a brutal 36 on the back of a remarkable defense and a stellar Jokic. Things were even until the last play, with the Nuggets up 113 to 111 (final result) and Los Angeles with the ball. But still Great defense by Canadian Jamaal Murray and athletic Aaron Gordon on LeBron He declared the story dead.

now, Denver is looking forward to meeting its rival in the NBA Finals in what looks like the Miami HeatA 3-0 lead in the East against the Boston Celtics and a chance to break the deadlock This Wednesday at 9:30pm (Argentina time; ESPN TV) Position on site.

The future of LeBron James

your side LeBron, 38 years oldHas two more seasons under contract with the Lakers and has always voiced his opinion One of his sons, Brony James, will continue to play until the league’s scheduled arrival in 2024.But after the defeat he sowed doubts about his future.

“Let’s see what happens next.. I don’t know. I have to think a lot to continue basketball. “To be honest, I have a lot to think about,” he said. James followed a painful 0-4 sweep, the third of his 20-year career.

The four-time NBA champion’s statements caused a stir An ESPN journalist, Dave McMenamin, later spoke with Blair to clarify what he had said. McMenamin transcribed the conversation on his Twitter account:

• Question: When you said that you want to think about things, what are we supposed to get from this?
• Answer: If I want to continue playing…
• Q: Next year?
• A: Yes.
• Q: Will you leave it?
• Answer: I’ll have to think about it.

LeBron played almost the entire game – he finished with 40 points in 48 minutes with only 4 seconds of rest. He also contributed (11/18 in double figures, 4/7 on triples and 6/7 on free throws), 10 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Lakers overall. Anthony Davis 21 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks and guard Austin Reeves with 17 points and 3 assists.

Nikola Jokic, too valuable

A two-time MVP of the league, but after failing to replicate such success in the playoffs—elimination in the conference semifinals in 2021 and a first-round exit in 2022— Serbian Nikola Jokic is on a mission this year: give the Denver Nuggets their first title. For now, he has already taken them to their first final.

“I’m very happy with my teammates and the organization and how we fought. “I remember the days when nobody came (to the stadium) and you could hear the ball bouncing on the pitch because there were no fans,” he said. At a press conference.

Jokic posted 30 points (8/18 on double-doubles, 3/6 on triples and 5/6 on free throws), 14 rebounds and 13 assists, Adds his eighth triple-double in these playoffs, surpassing legendary Wilt Chamberlain’s record -100 points in a game- achieved seven in 1967.

The magical Serbian, who received the “Magic Johnson” trophy for MVP of the Western Finals after the game, was on top of the scoring. Point guard Murray with 25 points and 5 assists and a defensive specialist Aaron Gordon led the way with 22 pointsAfter averaging 9.7 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the first three games of the series.