LOS ANGELES - LeBron James set out from crypto.com Arena Wednesday, with his left leg swelling from knee to knee collision, and his spirit lost to Minnesota Timberwolves from a 103-96 loss, which brought him to an NBA finish in the NBA and made his first-round playoff appearance.

Just like his customs over the past few seasons, James is unsure of his thoughts on the future immediately after the Los Angeles Lakers finals.

"I don't know." James, 40, said when asked about his plan to play for a long time before retirement. "I don't have an answer. I'll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and just talk about what will happen. Talk to myself about how long I want to keep playing.

"Honestly, I don't know the answer now. So we'll see it."

James has a player choice to return to the Lakers at 2025-26, worth $52.6 million, and he must choose by June 29, or become a free agent.

When asked about Los Angeles improving next season after losing to Wolves 4-1, James once again gave uncertain answers to his future despite being third-seeded at the Western Conference and third-placed at Homecourt Advantage.

"It's a business," James said. "So, apart from the guys who () are locked in the contract, what will be next year's roster.

When asked to clarify his remarks later.

"Just keep playing, I don't know where I'm." "That's it. Don't come back to play. Just play for a while."

His answer would certainly be affected by the exhaustion of the 40-minute knockout game, scoring 22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals to help La Claw retreat from the early deficit of 14 points to briefly lead in the fourth quarter.

When considering James' future, it should be noted that his son, Bronny James, signed with Los Angeles for two seasons and chose the 2027-28 team.

"I'm excited for the years to come," Brownie said when asked about his memories of playing with his father as a rookie.

Lakers star guard Luka Doncic carefully moved out of the post-match podium after adjusting his back when he collided with Donte Divincenzo. "It's not good at all," Don Sici said after 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in 40 minutes. So... that's it."

Like James, Doncic will make a contract decision this summer. By August 2, the Lakers will be able to offer him a four-year, $297 million contract extension.

Don Sici also said he will need time to consider his choice.

"I haven't considered it yet," Doncic said. "I've been focusing on basketball. So obviously it's time to think about everything."

Lakers first-year coach JJ Redick also said he will have something to do this summer after his first playoff series disappointment.

"There is always a better way," Redick said. "And I'll get better."

However, both James and Don Cic have endorsed Redick’s work so far.

"I think he's a coach's hell," Doncic said. "I'm really happy to have been coached by him these months. Sometimes it feels like I'm back in Europe a little bit. So I love it. We have a great bond. As a coach, he's just amazing."

James added: "I think JJ will continue to grow. I think he did a rookie sport for rookie coaches. And, as a rookie coach, it's already hard as a rookie coach in the NBA. It's a rookie head coach, it's a good coach. Responsible.

But on Wednesday, the Wolves drove the Lakers out of the playoffs and offseason, earlier than anyone in Los Angeles planned.

"For me, it was a disappointment for me since I first played in the NBA Finals in 2007 when I had the chance to be a part of it and start from there, I didn't make it to the finals or won the championship every season," James said. "So … it would be a disappointing and unsatisfactory offseason."