Earlier on Friday, LeBron James took to Twitter to declare himself out for the remainder of the NBA season. However, some fans were left puzzled over whether the four-time NBA champion may have been pulling a prank on April Fool’s day.

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in turmoil, but they could be handed an even bigger blow if they lose their talisman, LeBron James. The 37-year-old took to Twitter on Friday to reveal that he was officially out for the remainder of the season, putting the team’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.

James missed the last two games for the Lakers and has been struggling with an ankle injury. In the two games that James missed, the Lakers suffered defeats against the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz as they continued to sink further in the Western Conference table.

I’m out for the season officially. 🤦🏾‍♂️. See y’all in the fall. 👑✌🏾

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 1, 2022

James took to Twitter and wrote, “I’m out for the season officially. See y’all in the fall.” However, several top NBA sources were quick to point out that the four-time NBA champion had indeed opted to tweet about his absence on April Fool’s Day.

(It’s April 1st) https://t.co/YIKMhi180z

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 1, 2022

Although LeBron James may have been joking about his injury update, Lakers fans were furious and took to social media to slam the 18-time All-Star. One wrote, “Doesn’t matter if you are out or not, the Lakers still won’t make the playoffs.”

Another added, “James is joking about his status on April Fool’s Day. Like the guy doesn’t even care if we make the play-ins.” A third commented, “You had to say this on April Fool’s Day. But the joke is really on you and the Lakers.”

Twitter reacts to LeBron James’ latest post on April Fool’s Day

Pretty sure you’ve been out most of this season cause the Lakers are terrible

— NCISfanatic21 (@NCISfanatic_21) April 1, 2022

Go ahead and retire while you are out. Joke is you fool!

— LDN (@theonerealchef) April 1, 2022

April fools but how close is this to the truth ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/Twa5eCo8JZ

— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) April 1, 2022

Bro you can’t do an aprils fools joke when we aren’t in the playoffs

— 🐐🐐🐐🐐 (@MiladHeat) April 1, 2022

Bro you can’t do an aprils fools joke when we aren’t in the playoffs

— 🐐🐐🐐🐐 (@MiladHeat) April 1, 2022

everybody who doesn't realize what day it ispic.twitter.com/TiB5qtek53

— phil 🇹🇼 (@phrrp) April 1, 2022

If it’s an April Fools joke it’s my favorite kind, the one that briefly gives me a heart attack https://t.co/qIvuzrmDba

— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) April 1, 2022

Despite the Lakers’ torrid season, James has been the standout performer. He has been averaging 30.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game this season. However, the 2020 champions have struggled to get consistent victories this season and will be hoping to improve their form as the end of the regular season draws near.

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