Three days after LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will be continuing his career elsewhere, his agent Rich Paul made clear that his client has multiple options and that anticipation surrounding James’ next move is just beginning.
During an episode of his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman released Friday, Paul used a whiteboard and pointer to discuss several teams that James could join, breaking down the positives and negatives of each destination.
Paul told ESPN on Friday that the segment was intended to give fans a look into James’ process and the numerous factors he must weigh with every team that expresses interest.
On an earlier appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Paul stated that “10 to 12 teams” had contacted him about James, and on the podcast whiteboard, he appeared to list each of them.
By Friday, Paul told ESPN that he had spoken to 27 teams regarding James, noting that the criteria the veteran considers are “fluid” and can shift based on developments such as the Philadelphia 76ers trading for Jaylen Brown.
“Every day things change,” Paul said. “This is the first time that LeBron James is making a decision pressure-free. He’s won already. He’s made good on his promise — he won in L.A. This is strictly for his happiness. What does happiness entail? It’s a number of things. It’s a bucket of happiness. It’s basketball, it’s living, it’s camaraderie, it’s competition. It’s everything.”
Paul’s whiteboard displayed ten teams: the 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and San Antonio Spurs.
Speaking on the 76ers, Paul pointed to their roster headlined by Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid, remarking that it would be impossible for James to ignore that lineup. “He loves Maxey, so we don’t even have to talk about that,” Paul said, adding that James could help Edgecombe understand the game.
Paul also described how the “health and habits of Embiid are there,” and stated that James “enhances everything there” and “unlocks everything there.”
He highlighted that Maxey, a Klutch client, has trained with James during summer workouts for several years. James previously endorsed Brown for MVP when he led the Celtics while Jayson Tatum was sidelined, and James and Embiid won gold together at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Paul called Philadelphia’s front office an “X factor,” citing the presence of Jameer Nelson and Mike Gansey, both with prior personal and professional ties to James. He said that he and James “love” the Sixers’ leadership, naming Josh Harris and Bob Myers.
While praising Philadelphia, Paul dismissed the New York Knicks as a possibility, saying, “It’s difficult, because the last thing you want to do is mess up something like that.” He asserted that the Knicks’ success made them a less likely option.
According to Paul, “If the Knicks hadn’t had won, this wouldn’t even [be a question]. There would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks.” He described taking that risk after the team’s success as “very fragile” because “LeBron’s always judged different.”
Turning to the Cavaliers, whom Paul called “the C-town,” he cited players Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, along with team executives Dan and Grant Gilbert and Koby Altman. Paul emphasized the presence of Brandon Weems, calling him “basically LeBron’s brother” and describing how Weems earned his role in the front office after working his way up.
Paul mentioned that the Cavaliers would have been even more attractive had Darius Garland remained on the roster instead of being traded to the LA Clippers for Harden. “This is no offense to Harden,” Paul said, “because he loves Garland like he loves Maxey.”
On Denver, Paul named Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Peyton Watson, all with connections to Klutch Sports, and noted ties to the Kroenke family. Asked if the Nuggets were a legitimate option, Paul replied, “It wouldn’t be on the board [if it wasn’t a legitimate option].”
Regarding Miami, Paul ran through the roster including Giannis Antetokounmpo and referenced Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra, both with the franchise during James’ previous four consecutive Finals runs from 2010 to 2014.
He mentioned Minnesota’s group, including Anthony Edwards and the organization’s leadership, while highlighting off-court opportunities in Dallas such as “oil,” “golf,” “Macau and the Sands Group,” and global connections associated with new team president Masai Ujiri. “A lot comes with Dallas and Masai,” Paul said.
Paul gave brief mention to Boston and San Antonio, though ESPN sources said the Spurs are not considered a potential destination for James.
He also discussed the Warriors, who emerged early as a contender even before James told the Lakers he was leaving. Draymond Green opted out of his contract to restructure and improve flexibility for a possible push at landing James. “You see Steph [Curry] and Dray,” Paul said. “Don’t forget about Steph and Dray.”
Paul confirmed that James has been contacted by numerous players from several teams, while Paul himself has communicated with executives and owners involved.
James’ decision is expected to take time as he weighs his choices and their varying situations. “As you’re going through this process, I’m saying to LeBron, ‘You really have to think this through,’” Paul said. “Everything looks great in July. Everything looks great on paper. But you got to be very careful with that.”
Paul also noted what it means to still be in demand, remarking that even having these conversations as a 41-year-old is “a feat in itself.” He told James, “‘These calls that I’m getting [are] a true testament to how you have respected this game. It’s Year 24.’”