"My GOAT is not retiring" - Lakers fans try decoding LeBron James' cryptic IG message 

A day after hinting at his retirement plans, LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James posted a cryptic Instagram message, leaving fans speculating about his future.

James made NBA history during Wednesday's 128-123 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The 20-time All-Star recorded his third consecutive triple-double, tallying 35 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists, shooting 59.1%. At 39, James became the oldest player to do so, breaking his record from the 2019-20 season.

He also sparked questions about how long he will continue playing as he approaches age 40 next month. When asked postgame, James noted that he may only have one or two more years left in him. He added that he wants to end his career on a high note.

"Obviously, it's the mind. Wherever my mind is, is how the rest of my body is going to go. Whatever the case may be," James said. "I don't know. I'm not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest.

"I don't know how many years that is, if it's one year, two years, whatever the case may be. I said the other night, 'I'm not playing until the wheels fall off.' I'm not. I'm not going to be that guy. I'm not going to be the guy disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor."

However, James' Thursday Instagram story featuring his latest highlights seemingly contradicted his statement. In his caption, the four-time MVP appeared to hint at extending his career long-term.

"I gotta stay till I die," James wrote.

James' IG story sparked fan commotion on X/Twitter, with many celebrating him possibly playing well into his 40s and beyond.

"He's got five more years," @JoseLAL23 said.

"LEBRON (IS) PLAYING TILL YEAR 33, LFG. WE'VE WON," @KaizenXIX wrote.

"My GOAT (is) not retiring, LFG," @ALLWINGKI said.

"LeGoat is here to stay. My grandkids will watch him play," @FreeAgen_ wrote.

However, others pointed out that James may be conflicted about his future.

"LeBron James when it comes to giving mixed emotions on retirement," @RedickGotNext captioned another of the superstar's highlight reels.

---

JJ Redick says LeBron James has "mastered the game" amid retirement speculation

While LeBron James' future remains uncertain, according to Lakers coach JJ Redick, the four-time NBA champion has no more room for improvement basketball IQ-wise.

After Wednesday's victory over Memphis, Redick credited James' mastery of his craft for helping LA prevail.

"He's mastered the game. We don't win that game, obviously, without him," Redick said. "By any means, sometimes. And great players, you sort of have to give them some autonomy at times."

Following his third straight triple-double, James is averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 2.5 3-pointers per game, shooting 52.4% through 11 outings. Meanwhile, the Lakers (7-4) have won three consecutive games.

So, James appears on track to contend for his record-extending 21st All-Star selection.

---