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Rich Paul: LeBron won't make decision 'anytime soon'

8 hours ago
Adam Pantozzi / National Basketball Association / Getty

As the basketball world awaits LeBron James' decision on his next team, the superstar's agent is preaching patience.

"I don't think this happens anytime soon," Rich Paul told Forbes' Mark Medina. "I don't think it'll be the next few days."

James announced last week that he will play a 24th season but won't return to the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been linked to the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and San Antonio Spurs also appear to be in the mix.

Paul said Friday that James would have already joined the New York Knicks if they hadn't just won the NBA title.

James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, averaging 25.9 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds. He led Los Angeles to a championship in 2020 and became the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023.

The 41-year-old missed the Lakers' first 14 games of the 2025-26 season due to sciatica in his hip. He was productive in his 60 appearances, helping the team qualify for the playoffs. The Lakers eliminated the Houston Rockets in Round 1 but were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 2.

James counted for a $52.6-million cap hit last season, according to Spotrac. His decision on a new team won't be financially motivated, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

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