SAN ANTONIO — LeBron James perhaps added to the speculation that he may opt out of his contract this summer by not giving any commitment to the Miami Heat following their NBA Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
James could become a free agent this summer and perhaps change the course of the NBA with his decision. He did not give any indication about which way he was leaning after the Heat were thumped, 104-87, by the Spurs in Game 5, which could have been the final game together of Miami’s Big Three.
“I will deal with my summer when I get to that point,” James said. “Me and my [management] team will sit down and deal with it. I love Miami. My family loves it. But obviously right now that’s not even what I’m thinking about.
“You guys are trying to find answers. I’m not going to give you one. I’m just not going to give it to you. When I get to that point, I’ll deal with it, and when it gets to that point.”
When asked what he learned over the past four years from the Heat’s management and coaches, James said: “I play for my teammates every single night. I don’t really get involved in management and all of that. That’s not my job. I play for my teammates. I try to lead my teammates. I try to inspire my teammates. I let guys do their job and I do mine.”
Staying put?
Despite his production during the postseason and leading the Spurs to a fifth NBA title in 15 years, Tim Duncan is being constantly asked about potential retirement this summer. Duncan has a $10 million contract option for next season, but he wouldn’t hint about his decision.
“I don’t have any plans on doing anything. I’m going to figure it out when it comes,” he said before Game 5. “I’m not saying I’m retiring. I’m not saying I’m not retiring. I’m not saying anything. I’m going to figure it out as it goes. I’ve always said if I feel like I’m effective, if I feel like I can contribute, I’ll continue to play. Right now I feel that way, so we’ll see what happens.
“I don’t have a time frame. I don’t think about it. Whatever people are saying or who has insight on whatever, they’re getting it from somewhere else because I haven’t told anybody anything nor have I thought about it in any respect.”
Spurs guard Tony Parker said the title runs with Duncan and Manu Ginobili have been special, but he has no idea whether Duncan is done.
“It makes it all worth it. All three [of us], we took, like you said, less money to stay here and to win championships,” Parker said. “So it makes it even better to have been able to play my whole career with Timmy and Manu and experiencing those great moments. We’re never going to forget our whole life.
“That’s why we play basketball, to win championships and create moments that we’re never going to forget. So I’ve been very blessed, and I don’t take it for granted. I enjoy every moment, especially with Timmy and Manu.”
Meanwhile, coach Gregg Popovich said he will return next season, having coached the Spurs since the 1996-97 season.
“I don’t feel tired. I mean, I’m tired today, but I mean in general. I’d like to continue to coach,” he said. “Are you trying to push me out the door?”
Layups
Shane Battier, who said he would retire after the season, did not score in 10 minutes. Battier, the sixth overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, played 13 years and won two championships, both with Miami . . . An intriguing free agent this summer will be Spurs guard Patty Mills, who scored 14 of his 17 points in a third-quarter barrage and became a dependable backup to Parker this season. Other Spurs free agents are Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner . . . The Heat have eight free agents, including Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen, James Jones, Michael Beasley, and Greg Oden.
Gary Washburn can be reached at gwashburn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GwashburnGlobe.