LeBron James’ NBA future came down to two teams before he decided to continue his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. According to his agent Rich Paul, the Golden State Warriors were the only other serious option for the four-time NBA champion.
LeBron James eventually agreed to a two-year contract worth $8 million with a player option for the second season, but Paul revealed that much of the outside speculation was inaccurate.
“This is why I said all that stuff was false – all the speculation. At the end of the day, these guys are just doing their job,” Paul said on the Game Over podcast.
“It was a layered decision across the board between Philly and Golden State, and he just ultimately decided on Philly.”
With the signing of LeBron James, the Philadelphia 76ers now have the chance to put together one of the strongest starting lineups we've seen in recent years. 👀🔥
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 24, 2026
🏀 Tyrese Maxey
🏀 VJ Edgecombe
🏀 Jaylen Brown
🏀 LeBron James
🏀 Joel Embiid
WILD! pic.twitter.com/e8M0xIoF9O
LeBron James’ dominant Rockets series convinced him to keep playing
Although LeBron James ultimately chose to play another NBA season, Rich Paul revealed that retirement was genuinely discussed before the decision was made.
According to Paul, the way LeBron James performed in the Lakers’ playoff series against the Houston Rockets convinced him that he could still compete for another championship.
“That series, in my opinion, convinced him to keep playing,” Paul said on the Game Over podcast.
“I think if they somehow got swept or lost 4-1 in that series, it could be different. I think that gave us another ride.”
Rich Paul explains LeBron James’ impact on Nick Nurse and 76ers
Beyond his impact on the court, Rich Paul believes LeBron James’ leadership and experience could be extremely valuable for Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse.
The veteran agent highlighted James’ ability to bring stability to the locker room and serve as a leader for a team with championship ambitions.
“Adding LeBron, with his experience, gives Nick Nurse a guy he can rely on to police the team so the players don’t turn on Nick,” he added.
