Rich Paul Suggests LeBron James Could Have Retired If Lakers Lost 1st-Round Series to Rockets

Had things gone differently for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, the all-time great could have called it a career.

James' agent, Rich Paul, said that if the Lakers had lost to the Houston Rockets, James might have retired rather than returning for a 24th season.

"That series, in my opinion, [convinced him to keep playing]," Paul said on Game Over. "I think if they somehow get swept or lose 4-1 in that series, it could be different. I think that gave us another ride."

James was tremendous against the Rockets, putting up 23.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both out with injuries.

While Los Angeles lost in the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the series showed that James is more than capable of playing at a high level still.

Now, he's teaming up with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia. James agreed to a two-year deal with the 76ers on Friday, setting up a roster that should be more than capable of winning a championship.