Recommendation: James, who had left knee surgery last November and suffered from a sore right knee when he returned to the lineup, has been bothered by injuries and poor conditioning since signing a five-year deal three years ago. He has two years and $12.8 million left on his contract, but the Knicks can wipe his salary from the books if he retires for medical reasons. James says he has every intention of playing next season, but his lack of speed and mobility limits him in coach Mike D'Antoni's system.