LeBron James and the Lakers crash out of the NBA playoffs… as fans call for basketball icon to retire

LeBron James and the LA Lakers were dumped out of the NBA playoffs by the on Wednesday night – and fans are adamant that it’s time for the basketball great to bow out from the sport.

The Minnesota Timberwolves sent the Lakers packing after claiming a 103-96 win in Game 5 of their first-round battle, which naded them a conclusive 4-1 lead in the series.

Despite putting up 22 points on the night, fans believe the time has come for LeBron to call it a career at the age of 40 after being outclassed by the likes of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle.

‘LeBron James this is embarassing you gotta retire,’ one user wrote on X.

Another put: ‘LeBron is an old man. he needs to retire. this is the first time I’ve ever watched him in a playoff game and thought he has just lost a step vs everyone else. 

‘Lebron needs to retire bro. [Michael] Jordan knew when to walk away,’ said a third.

While one simply pleaded: ‘Lebron pls retire already’.

More to follow.