[ad_1]
Detailing the support he received from teammates to get to the hospital for a health check, the 15-year NBA veteran center wrote: “Though I’m better now, what I felt with my heart that night was still one of the scariest things I’ve experienced.”
Following the game with the Lakers, a 126-101 loss in which Aldridge had 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks, his latest health experience has prompted a decision on his involvement in the sport that would appear final.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from the NBA,” his statement said. “For 15 years, I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and family first.”
After making his name at the Portland Trail Blazers, he thanked them for “drafting a skinny Texas kid and giving him a chance.”
Moving to the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, he said: “I want to thank the Spurs for letting me into the family and giving me 5 fun years.”
“Last but not least,” he said in appreciation of his most recent NBA side, “I want to thank Brooklyn. You wanted me for me. In a game that’s changing so much, you asked me to come and just do what I do which was good to hear.
“I’m sorry it didn’t get to last long, but I’ve definitely had fun being a part of this special group.”
His statement ended saying: “You never know when something will come to an end, so make sure you enjoy it every day. I can truly say I did just that.”
“During his nine seasons in Portland, LaMarcus battled through multiple injuries and health concerns but never once allowed them to affect his commitment to his teammates and coaches on the court or the people that benefited from his outreach in the community off the court.
“He will go down as one of the best players in the history of the franchise and while it is sad to see his career cut short, he will always be a member of the Trail Blazer family and we wish him the best in all future endeavors.”
Aldridge has previously had time out of the sport for health reasons.
He underwent a medical procedure at the time, and another similar process in 2011, which saw him miss short periods of the NBA season.
At the San Antonio Spurs in 2017, he was ruled out indefinitely following a test that revealed a minor case of arrhythmia.
Shortly afterwards, further examinations and consultations with experts in the field cleared Aldridge to resume basketball activities.
[ad_2]
