LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul says there is no timetable for the NBA superstar to decide where he will play next season, insisting the four-time champion will make the choice only when he is ready.
Speaking on the latest episode of the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, the Klutch Sports founder dismissed suggestions that James is deliberately delaying his free agency decision.
“We’re not going to be rushed,” Paul said.
“It’s his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he’ll make it.”
James entered free agency earlier this month after informing the Los Angeles Lakers he would not return for the 2026-27 season, bringing an end to his eight-year spell with the franchise.
The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat are among the teams interested in signing the 41-year-old, with the three Eastern Conference clubs reportedly leading the race.
Paul said interested teams have continued to check in but stressed there is nothing more they need to do.
“There’s been several people who have called and said, ‘Hey Rich, is there anything more we should be doing?’” he said.
“My answer is, ‘No. We don’t need you to go above and beyond about anything. We understand it. It’s clear. All the messages have been sent.’”
NBA keen for James to decide
NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently joked that he wanted James to announce his decision so the league could finalise its schedule, but Paul said he reminded Silver the decision rests solely with his client.
“I saw Adam in New York and we discussed it,” Paul said.
“It’s still his choice. If he doesn’t really know, you can’t rush it.”
Paul also rejected the idea that James is prolonging the process to generate publicity, distancing the situation from the highly publicised television special “The Decision” in 2010, when James announced his move from Cleveland to Miami.
“We’re not making this about attention and a spectacle,” Paul said.
“It’s not about a ‘Decision’ or anything like that. He has a business choice to make. We’re not going to allow someone else to decide when he makes that decision.”
When Kellerman suggested some fans believe James enjoys the attention surrounding his future, Paul dismissed the claim.
“It’s the lowest hanging fruit for when you don’t have the information,” he said.
Paul also refused to reveal whether James is leaning towards any particular destination.
“There’s nothing I can say,” he said.
He added that speculation claiming an announcement is imminent should be treated with caution.
“These people don’t know anything,” Paul said.
“I don’t know when his choice is going to be made. It could be 48 seconds from now. It could be 48 minutes. You can’t make somebody know something that they don’t know.”
