Why LeBron James Didn't Meet With Lakers in NBA Free Agency Explained by Agent Rich Paul

LeBron James' agent Rich Paul says his client made the decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency within the last few weeks.

Paul said James was "80 percent likely to return" to the Lakers as of several weeks ago around the 3:00 mark of Wednesday's episode of Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul.

"It kind of went down and down and down, 50 percent, 30 percent," Paul said. "And once got to a place to where he said, 'Listen, man... I know that's probably where I could make the most money, but for me, where I'm at today, it's probably not the best thing for me to do.'"

Paul continued: "They have to go on and do their business as well. The one thing we definitely wanted to do was be conscious of that, and be respectful to the organization."

Paul said he had been having "cordial conversations" with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach J.J. Redick from the first day the team was allowed to communicate with its own players.

"It just got to a place that where LeBron was like, there didn't really need to be a meeting," Paul said.

When asked if the Lakers extended James an offer, Paul answered: "They wanted to bring him back, obviously, but there didn't need to be one, and I didn't want to waste anyone's time."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that James, a pending unrestricted free agent, had informed the Lakers he would be playing elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.

James' decision was announced shortly after the Lakers continued their plan to build around Luka Dončić by signing Austin Reaves to a four-year extension.

Paul said he didn't feel James' decision was based on any specific move the Lakers made this offseason.

"I think you get to a point to where you understand the position you're in, you've done enough, relationships come to an end, and that's okay," Paul said. "I don't think it has to be one thing or the other, and I damn sure know how happy he is for his teammates, including someone like Austin... he deserved to get the money that he's got, so that's not an issue at all."

Following Tuesday's opening of free agency, Paul said he'd spoken with "about 12 to 14" teams including the Golden State Warriors.

Paul also he felt "competitiveness" would play a factor in which team James ultimately chooses to play for.

When asked if playing with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green with the Warriors would fit that description, Paul answered, "That goes without saying."

Paul declined to estimate a timeline as to when James might make a decision. NBA free agency negotiations opened Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, although players can't officially sign with teams until July 6.