LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul says that James went through immense emotional turmoil “every day” until the 41-year-old made his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers early Friday morning.
Paul confirmed what many people had expected, that James was deciding between four teams — the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
“You can see from the end of the season…the emotional attachments and how hard it is to go away from a Miami and go away from a Cleveland,” said Paul on the “Game Over” podcast Friday afternoon. “Who wouldn’t want to play with Steph Curry and Draymond Green? I’m seeing the emotional roller coaster every single day.”
Paul also added that he believed every team in the race was leading at some point for James’ services, but James opted for Philadelphia because the team had become a much more attractive option since trading for Jaylen Brown. Furthermore, James’ relationship with Tyrese Maxey, who is also represented by Klutch Sports, played a role in the decision as well.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Why did LeBron James choose the 76ers?
Paul says that James chose the 76ers because of their ability to contend for a championship immediately. Paul noted that the decision to trade away Paul George in exchange for Jaylen Brown while already boasting a roster with star players like Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and up-and-comer VJ Edgecombe gave James the clarity he needed to make his decision.
Paul also believes that the team’s head coach Nick Nurse will find a way to implement James’ into the team’s tactics without diminishing anyone else’s impact.
Paul said, “[James] helps Tyrese [Maxey] in terms of pick-and-roll action. … I think Nick Nurse can take a little page out of Ty Lue’s book and use Tyrese as the screener. When you talk about a guy like VJ Edgecombe, he definitely helps him.”
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men’s basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men’s basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James reacts while holding the Larry O’Brien trophy after defeating the Gold State Warriors to win the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.
Powered by an amazing effort from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, dethroning defending champion Golden State 93-89 to capture their first NBA title. The Cavaliers won the best-of-seven series 4-3 to claim the first league crown in their 46-season history and deliver the first major sports champion to Cleveland since the 1964 NFL Browns, ending the longest such title drought for any American city.
/ AFP / Beck Diefenbach (Photo credit should read BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP, AFP via Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
(Marc Serota, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 21: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Finals Championship trophy after they won 121-106 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Five of the 2012 NBA Finals on June 21, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
(Alex Trautwig, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
(Mitchell Leff, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James cries before the Men’s Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
(MARK RALSTON, AFP via Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
(Streeter Lecka, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
(Ron Jenkins, Getty Images)
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LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
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LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
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LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
(Marc Serota, Getty Images)
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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
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LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
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LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
(MARK RALSTON, AFP via Getty Images)
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LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
Were other teams in the running?
The Minnesota Timberwolves were another team Paul mentions in the podcast, though he clarifies that they were not one of the final four teams James was considering.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James’ emotional roller coaster led to signing with the 76ers
