LA Lakers 110-115 Oklahoma City Thunder: LeBron James future unclear after play-off defeat

“It’s about the process – if I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena five and a half hours before a game to start preparing.

“When the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do.”

James is the leading points scorer in NBA history and has won four titles and four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.

“There’s nothing I need to show in this league,” he said.

“I’ve done it all; I’ve seen it all. Just trying to compete and trying to win championships – that’s a motivating factor.”

James scored 24 points at Crypto.com Arena in LA, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP, scored 35 points and contributed eight assists for the Thunder.

The Thunder, who beat the Phoenix Suns 4-0 in the first round of the play-offs, will play the Minnesota Timberwolves or the San Antonio Spurs – their semi is level at 2-2 – in the Western Conference final.

In the Eastern Conference semi-finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers earned a 112-103 home win against the Detroit Pistons to level the series at 2-2.

Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points at Rocket Arena for the Cavs, who lost the first two games.

Mitchell scored 39 in the second half, equalling the record – set by Eric Floyd of the Golden State Warriors in 1987 – for the most points in one half of a post-season game.

The Cavs or the Pistons will play the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference final.