NEW YORK (AP) — LaMarcus Aldridge retired from the NBA on Thursday after saying he experienced an irregular heartbeat during his final game with the Brooklyn Nets.
Aldridge, 35, posted a statement on social media saying the heart concern he had during and after Brooklyn’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday was one of the “scariest things” he’s experienced.
Aldridge said he feels better now after getting it checked out but decided to end his 15-year career.
“For 15 years I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and my family first,” Aldridge wrote.
The seven-time All-Star signed with the Nets on March 28 and he had become their starting center.
He missed the last two games with what the team had called a non-COVID-19 illness.
The 15-year NBA veteran finishes his career with averages of 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 1,029 regular season games.
Aldridge played for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2006-15 after he was drafted second overall in 2006.
After a free agent period that saw the Phoenix Suns heavily pursue him — the city of Phoenix even created and then had to recycle a giant banner as part of the recruiting efforts — Aldridge joined the San Antonio Spurs, where he played until he was released this season.
Aldridge played in only five games after he signed with Brooklyn to take part in a playoff run.
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