NBA billionaire LeBron James isn’t chasing the biggest paycheck as he prepares for the next chapter of his career. Instead, the four-time NBA champion reportedly is leaving Los Angeles in pursuit of another title.
Not ready to Stop Balling
James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending his eight-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being one of the wealthiest athletes in sports, ESPN’s sources close to James say the move was driven by his desire to compete for another championship rather than maximize his earnings.
James spent nearly a month deciding where to sign in free agency, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported.
Rich Paul, James’ agent, initially spoke with 27 NBA teams before narrowing his choices to five finalists: the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Los Angeles Clippers also pursued James with a one-year contract worth more than $20 million that would have allowed him to remain in his Brentwood, California, home, the New York Post reported, citing McMenamin.
The Boston Celtics also explored adding James before trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, making the 76ers a stronger contender, according to McMenamin.
Returning to the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers would have been understandable given James’ history with both franchises, while teaming with Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors offered an appealing option for fans, the New York Post reported.
James viewed Philadelphia as one final basketball challenge rather than the easiest or most comfortable destination, according to McMenamin.
The decision also requires James to leave his family on the West Coast while reportedly commuting between New York City and Philadelphia during the NBA season, the New York Post reported.
James’ choice was driven by the chance to compete for one final championship rather than maximizing his salary, ESPN reported.
A title with Philadelphia would make him the first player in NBA history to win championships with four different franchises.
It would also make James the first NBA player to win championships with teams representing the South (Miami), Midwest (Cleveland), West (Los Angeles) and East (Philadelphia).
“I think Philadelphia’s going to energize him. Maybe we get two [seasons]. Maybe we get four,” Rich Paul, James’ agent, told ESPN.
“But if it was just about the money, he could have stayed home and played for the Clippers,” McMenamin wrote in his ESPN report.
“Ultimately, his decision — the last decision of this nature in his career — was all about finding that feeling of fully immersing himself in a basketball environment of his choosing,” McMenamin wrote.
