LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, has revealed that his client hasn’t yet decided which team he would play for next season. James earlier revealed that he would play for a new team in the upcoming edition of the NBA, parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul said they don’t want to be rushed in making their decision.
“We’re not going to be rushed,” Paul said on the latest podcast episode of “Game Over” with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, released Monday evening. “We’re not going to be rushed. It’s his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he’ll make it.”
The upcoming edition will mark James’s 24th season in the NBA.
“There’s been several people to call and say, ‘Hey, Rich, is there anything more we should be doing? We could be doing?’” Paul said. “And 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.’”
The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat have shown interest in roping in the services of the veteran.
Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom: Game Plan Summit in New York, “I would like [James] to make his announcement already, so we can finish the schedule.”
Paul said he spoke privately with Silver after those comments.
“I saw Adam in New York and we discussed it,” Paul said. “And like I said, it’s still his choice. So if he doesn’t really know, you can’t rush it. You can’t rush it.”
Paul said they don’t want to make this about gaining attention, and they want to take their time before arriving at the best possible decision.
“I think it’s important for people to understand: 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 choice to make. He has a business choice to make. We’re not going to sit here and decide or allow someone else to decide when he makes that decision. … It’s a business choice that he’s making. And I think as an athlete, why is it that an athlete has to rush his choice?”
James was an All-Star last season, averaging 20.9 points on 51.5% shooting, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
