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James, Ham face uncertain futures with Lakers after being eliminated from playoffs by Nuggets again

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) checks the scoreboard in the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) checks the scoreboard in the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) checks the scoreboard in the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By PAT GRAHAM / AP Sports Writer 4 min read

DENVER (AP) — The futures of LeBron James and Darvin Ham with the Los Angeles Lakers are murky after their first-round playoff exit.

One might choose to leave and the other might not have a choice.

For James, the decision is his — whether he wants to wear purple and gold again in his 22nd NBA season.

For Ham, it’s about whether the team brings him back for a third season as coach after back-to-back series losses to Denver.

Big decisions loom after the defending champion Nuggets eliminated Los Angeles from the playoffs with a 108-106 win in Game 5 on Monday. Soon after, James was asked if he had given any thought that this could very well be his last time pulling on his No. 23 Lakers jersey.