🏟️ LeBron Speaks on Retirement: What's Next After Lakers' Playoff Exit?

LeBron reflects on the Lakers’ playoff exit and hints at retirement, with offseason changes ahead

May 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Happy Friday!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Industry Weekly as we share insights from the top business headlines from across the sports industry.

👑 LeBron speaks on retirement after Lakers' playoff exit, saying he’s “not going to answer that right now” but isn’t ready to walk away just yet.

 🔮 After a first-round exit, the Lakers head into an uncertain offseason, with potential trades and big decisions looming this summer.

🐉 After a 103–96 win over the Lakers, Anthony Edwards called Rudy Gobert “a dragon” for his 27-point, 24-rebound game, praising his dominance against LeBron James—who Edwards called “the best player to ever play the game.”

🎥 After the Timberwolves’ 4–1 series win, Anthony Edwards said he studies film of his bad games more than the good ones, noting, “That’s what we did after Game 2.”

🏀 Shaquille O’Neal is joining Sacramento State as the men’s basketball GM in a voluntary role, teaming up with head coach Mike Bibby—while his son Shaqir plays on the squad.

 🏆 Stephon Castle was named Rookie of the Year, giving the Spurs back-to-back winners and making them just the fifth team in NBA history to achieve the feat.

🏃🏼Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall join Nike’s elite roster of track and field athletes, adding their names to a legacy of excellence.

📆 The WNBA has unveiled its 2025 preseason schedule, marking the first time in league history that multiple games will be broadcast nationally.

SPORTBIZ Miami: The Must-Attend Meeting Point for the Sports Industry

SPORTBIZ, the International Sports Business Congress, will take place from April 30to May 2 for its second edition in the United States.

With over editions in 13 countries, the Congress returns to the epicenter of sports business to strengthen its networking opportunities and generate more knowledge-sharing and business growth in the industry.

Here’s a recap video of what you missed last year!

🏀 Sources say the buyer has enough money to buy the Boston Celtics. The deal is expected to be completed within a week, following NBA rules.

📌 The Utah Hockey Club may have revealed its new team name by mistake. Fans saw that the club's YouTube account was renamed "Utah Mammoth," sparking guesses and excitement about the new name before it was officially announced.

🏟️ The Professional Women’s Hockey League is growing, and Seattle, Washington, is getting a new team. Starting in the 2025-26 season, this team will play their home games at Climate Pledge Arena and practice at the Kraken Community Iceplex.

BEFORE YOU GO

Here are 3 ways SBV can help you:

1) The Playbook — Breaking into the sports industry can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With career tips, insider resources, and weekly networking and learning events featuring top sports executives, our platform provides direct access to the people and knowledge that can help you succeed.

2) Job Board — Finding the right opportunity in sports isn’t just about luck—it’s about access. Our job board connects you with exclusive openings across teams, leagues, agencies, and brands, helping you take the next step in your career with confidence.

3) Mentorship — Receiving career guidance from someone who has already experienced your journey can make all the difference. Our mentorship program connects you directly, one-on-one, with sports executives who provide personalized support to help you at every stage of your career journey.

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