Why LeBron Chose 76ers Explained by Rich Paul Following Cavs, Heat, Warriors Rumors

Even though LeBron James offered some insight into his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, his longtime agent, Rich Paul, expanded on the future Hall of Famer's process that led to him making the move.

On the latest episode of the Game Over podcast (h/t Conor Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer), Paul explained it was a "love of the game decision" for James more than anything else.

"Nobody at this level is this accomplished, this successful at life, still wanting to play the game. I don't know what else you can say about it besides someone being very obsessed with the game of basketball," said Paul.

This echoes what James wrote in his statement on X when he announced the move to Philadelphia as being "not going for money" and still wanting "to sacrifice" for the game of basketball.

Paul added James "just decided" when the post was released on Friday morning and the competition from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors was "pretty layered across the board."

James is expected to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers. He joins a loaded roster with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid.

Philadelphia is coming off a 45-win season in 2025-26 and made the playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers upset the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs before being swept in the conference semifinals by the New York Knicks.

James will look to help the 76ers advance past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2000-01 season. They are chasing their first championship since the 1982-83 campaign.