<p>NEW YORK — LaMarcus Aldridge retired from the NBA on Thursday after saying he experienced an irregular heartbeat during his final game with the Brooklyn Nets.</p>
<p>Aldridge, 35, <a href="https://twitter.com/aldridge_12/status/1382706719684444161?s=20">posted a statement</a> 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.</p>
<p>Aldridge said he feels better now after getting it checked out but decided to end his 15-year career.</p>
<p>“For 15 years I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and my family first,” Aldridge wrote.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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