LOS ANGELES — NBA superstar LeBron James has 10 realistic options for his next team after deciding to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent Rich Paul said on Friday.
Paul, speaking on his “Game Over” podcast, said he has received calls from multiple NBA teams interested in signing the 41-year-old forward, who announced earlier this week that he would not return to the Lakers for his 24th NBA season.
Paul said the interest reflects James’ standing in the league.
“These calls I’m getting are a true testament to how you have respect in this game,” Paul said he told James.
Paul displayed a whiteboard listing teams he believes are logical destinations for James. The list included the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.
Paul said the Knicks would have been James’ preferred destination if they had not won the NBA championship last month.
“If the Knicks hadn’t have won, there wouldn’t even be no board. He would be going to the Knicks,” Paul said.
Paul also highlighted Philadelphia as a strong option after the 76ers reportedly acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a trade that cannot become official until NBA free agency rules allow it next week.
He said James would complement a lineup featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Brown.
“How could not have (his) attention when you have Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown and Embiid?” Paul said. He added that James “unlocks everything there.”
Paul also identified Miami, Denver and Minnesota as potential destinations. He said every team listed on the whiteboard remained under consideration.
“If a club wasn’t in consideration, they wouldn’t be on the board,” Paul said.
Paul also suggested James could continue playing beyond next season.
“Who says this is going to be his last year?” Paul said.
Meanwhile, ESPN reported Friday that the Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round NBA Draft picks.
Hardy exercised his $8.1 million player option for next season last week. ESPN also reported that the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade agreement worth $130 million over four years to address the team’s need at center.
