LeBron James hints his next NBA stop may not be his last
Rich Paul says LeBron James will not rush free agency as the 41-year-old star floats playing 25 or even 26 seasons.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
LeBron James has kept the NBA waiting on his next team, and now the bigger wrinkle is out in the open: he may not be close to done.
The 41-year-old free agent recently suggested his career could stretch beyond the upcoming season during a public appearance, saying, “When I’m done, I’ll be 24, 25 years in... 26 years? Who knows, whatever when I’m done,” according to remarks shared from a Boardroom panel and cited by CBS Sports.
James is already headed toward what would be his 24th NBA season once he signs. CBS Sports reported that the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers have been linked to his free agency, while the Golden State Warriors, 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves have also been described as longer-shot possibilities on agent Rich Paul’s board.
Paul says there is no hurry
The timeline remains in James’ hands. At Fanatics Fest in New York last week, James told fans, “I won’t hold you up too much longer,” CBS Sports reported. Days later, Paul made clear on his podcast with Max Kellerman that the decision still would not be sped up.
Paul said he had discussed the matter with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who would like clarity so the league can proceed with work such as setting its schedule, according to CBS Sports. Paul’s message: James will decide when he is ready.
“If he doesn’t know, you can’t rush it,” Paul said, according to video of the podcast clip cited by CBS Sports. He added, “We’re not going to be rushed.”
That has turned James’ free agency into the NBA’s summer holding pattern. The immediate question is where he plays next. The next one may be whether this is a farewell season at all.
A longer runway is still in play
James has spoken recently about wanting to “compete at a high level,” CBS Sports reported. His comments about possibly reaching 25 or 26 seasons leave room for more than one ending: a title chase now, another free agency later, or a final run with a team tied to his history.
Cleveland remains part of the chatter, according to CBS Sports, which noted that a future return there could fit the kind of farewell tour many around the league have imagined for James. Miami and Philadelphia are also part of the current rumor mix.
James’ latest Lakers season added fuel to both sides of the debate. CBS Sports noted he had the lowest usage rate of his career and saw his streak of 21 straight All-NBA selections end. He still made his 22nd All-Star team.
With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves taking larger roles, James played more of a supporting part than he had for much of his career, according to CBS Sports. When Dončić and Reaves later dealt with injuries, James helped Los Angeles win a first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
James has also referenced a documentary being filmed about his career, CBS Sports reported. Whenever the final chapter arrives, the timing remains the same as his free agency decision: on his clock.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.