Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka talked on Thursday about supporting and maximizing LeBron James, and he sounded as if he expects James to stay.

But alas, their reliance on their stars resulted in an ignominiously quick exit as they lost in five games to the underdog Minnesota Timberwolves in Round 1. LeBron James was still the second-best player on the team during the series.

LeBron James said he needs to talk with his family and support group before deciding whether to play next season after the Lakers were eliminated Wednesday.