LeBron thinking about how Game 7 loss would end his year, not Cavs career

For now, LeBron James is only concentrating on the immediate future.

The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar faces first-round elimination for the first time in his 15-year career after his team fell to the Indiana Pacers 121-87 in Friday's Game 6, forcing a win-or-go home Game 7 on Sunday in Cleveland.

James, who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, was asked if he would think about the possibility of it being his last game with the Cavaliers should they drop Game 7.

"No. No," James replied, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "The thought of, 'If we don't play well it will be my last game of the year,' that will probably hit my mind, but I haven't thought about that."

The four-time MVP has been carrying the Cavs with 32.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and one steal over six playoff outings.

Despite his Herculean effort, his 11-game winning streak in closeout games was snapped Friday in Indiana, and now his 12-0 record in first rounds is on the line. That, of course, also jeopardizes his personal streak of seven straight NBA Finals appearances.

James spent the first seven years of his pro career with his hometown Cavaliers before bolting to Miami for four years, winning back-to-back titles with the Heat. He returned to Cleveland in 2014 and led the franchise to three straight Finals and its first championship in 2016.

The 33-year-old has a $35.6-million player option for next season that he's expected to decline so he can either sign a new deal with the Cavs or latch on with a different team. He's long maintained he won't make a decision until the conclusion of the campaign.