The NBA world waited with anticipation last week to see if LeBron James would announce his next team during the Fanatics Fest event in New York. James told eager fans that he wasn’t ready yet but vowed to end his free agency soon.
While the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar had a good laugh despite the suspense, others have criticized him for the delay.
On Monday, James’ agent Rich Paul pushed back on those narratives, insisting that James is merely weighing his options.
Rich Paul Says LeBron James’ Prolonged Free-Agency Decision Isn’t for ‘Attention’
James announced his decision to leave the Lakers on June 30. Almost three weeks into free agency, he is still without a team, a situation that has held up business for multiple teams.
On Thursday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was a guest at the CNBC and Boardroom Game Plan Summit, which had also hosted James earlier. Silver said that the 22-time All-Star needs to make his decision as the league can’t complete the schedule without knowing which team he will suit up for next season.
During Monday’s “Game Over” podcast, Max Kellerman showed a clip of Silver’s interview, prompting Paul to respond.
“I’ll say it again, none of these people know anything. Nobody knows nothing, and I say that respectfully because we haven’t made it to where anybody knows anything. … It’s important for people to understand that we’re not making this about attention and a spectacle. … He has a business choice to make. … Why is it that an athlete has to rush a choice?” Paul said.
Max Kellerman asking rich paul his thoughts on Adam silver saying LeBron James needs to make his decision because of the tv schedule pic.twitter.com/6w5Nu6BcE4
— NBA Hoops (@Thechat101) July 21, 2026
Paul insisted that his client has earned the right to take as much time as he needs, so the four-time NBA Finals MVP can’t be pressured to make his choice. The agent added that he talked to Silver in New York and told the league executive that James would announce his decision when he is ready.
The Klutch Sports Group CEO continued that they are not waiting for teams to make moves to spur the 41-year-old to make a commitment. Paul emphasized that they have received messages and pitches from teams, but they are evaluating each situation before choosing their next team.
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As the delay has dragged on, some sports writers have not held back in ripping James.
“James, at 41, still has the ability to play like a man half his age. Now he’s acting like a man half his age as if desperate for attention,” USA Today’s Josh Peter wrote on Monday.
“He made an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York on July 17. Then toyed with the crowd about his undisclosed decision. Like he has indirectly toyed with the fan bases in Cleveland, Golden State, Miami, Philadelphia, and Minnesota.”
Despite accusations that James is milking all the attention, Paul is adamant that no one can pressure the NBA’s all-time scoring king to announce his decision.
Until James does what is expected of him, the narratives around his free agency will only ramp up and add more drama in the offseason.
