katero
All Breaking News Politics
Jul 01, 2026

LeBron James looking for ‘complete happiness,’ not big payday, agent says

Why LeBron James chose to leave Lakers Email New York Post Read the Latest on Page Six

Switch between CA and NY editions here.

Edition

Recommended

Skip to main content NBA

LeBron James looking for ‘complete happiness,’ not big payday, agent says

By Ryan Anderson Published July 1, 2026, 2:34 p.m. ET

See more of our coverage in your search results.

Add The California Post on Google

LeBron James’ decision to leave the Lakers was not about money, leverage or market size.

It came down to something much harder to quantify, according to James’ longtime agent Rich Paul.

“Complete happiness.”

Rich Paul explained why LeBron James decided to leave the Lakers, saying his desire to return faded and the choice was not only about money. 8
Rich Paul explained why LeBron James decided to leave the Lakers, saying his desire to return faded and the choice was not only about money. Getty Images

Appearing on the latest episode of the “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul explained that James initially seemed likely to return to Los Angeles for another season. But as the offseason unfolded, that confidence faded.

“So if it’s about happiness, then it can’t be about money,” Paul said. “If it’s about happiness, because if it’s the most money, then it’s not necessarily the most happiness.”

Explore More

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mitchell Robinson celebrates after the Knicks' NBA championship win on June 13, 2026, Image 2 shows Mitchell Robinson (l.) with Karl-Anthony Towns (r.) at the Knicks' championship ceremony at City Hall on June 18, 2026

Mitchell Robinson leaves Knicks for rival in NBA free agency gut-punch

Mother of NFL star found dead inside Atlanta home, his brother charged with murder

Steve Cohen makes declaration about embattled Mets GM’s job status as team’s season spirals

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks on the court 8
James’ final chapter will not include the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images

Sign up for the California Morning Report newsletter

California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Thanks for signing up!

That became the central question for James as he weighed whether to continue with the Lakers or move on for his 24th NBA season.

Paul said he told James to think about one foundational thing that should guide the final stage of his career. James did not owe anyone anything, Paul said, after a career that has included four championships, four MVP awards, the NBA scoring record and nearly every major individual accomplishment available to him.

“You’ve accomplished more than any player’s ever accomplished,” Paul said he told James. “You got every record, all the stuff. Let’s find one foundational thing to build off of.”

Rich Paul hugs LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder 8
Agent Rich Paul said “complete happiness” is what James cited as the reason to move on from the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images

James eventually landed on “complete happiness,” according to Paul.

That did not immediately mean he was leaving the Lakers. Paul said that several weeks earlier, James still gave his chances of returning to Los Angeles at around 80%. But that number continued to drop as the offseason moved along.

Eventually, James reached a firm conclusion.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers 8
Potential suitors for James include the Cavaliers, Warriors, Heat and Timberwolves. NBAE via Getty Images

“Once he got to a place to where he said, ‘Listen, man, I understand where things are, and I get it. I know that’s where I could probably make the most money. But for me, where I’m at today, it’s probably not the best thing for me to do,’” Paul said.

Paul said he asked James if he was completely sure.

James was.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Rich Paul 8
James told his agent that he was “100% sure” he didn’t want to return to the Lakers. Getty Images

“I’m 100% sure that that’s not a place I would want to return,” Paul recalled James telling him.

Share

X Facebook Reddit LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Email

Other posts

MLB mock draft 2026: Full first-round projection with the Combine in the rearview

Jul 02, 2026

MLB mock draft 2026: Full first-round projection with the Combine in the rearview

RUSSELL EXCLUSIVE: 'I grew up working-class - not like some in F1'

Jul 02, 2026

RUSSELL EXCLUSIVE: 'I grew up working-class - not like some in F1'

2026 John Deere Classic longshot picks, odds, PGA props: This golf parlay could return over $30,000

Jul 02, 2026

2026 John Deere Classic longshot picks, odds, PGA props: This golf parlay could return ove...

Spain vs. Austria odds, prediction, time: 2026 World Cup Round of 32 picks from expert on 12-5 roll

Jul 02, 2026

Spain vs. Austria odds, prediction, time: 2026 World Cup Round of 32 picks from expert on...

Twins top prospect Walker Jenkins carries young fan off field after collapse during national anthem

Jul 02, 2026

Twins top prospect Walker Jenkins carries young fan off field after collapse during nation...

Philadelphia 76ers among teams expressing interest in LeBron James: Source

Jul 02, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers among teams expressing interest in LeBron James: Source

Pacers' Ivica Zubac Trade Looks Even Better After Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler

Jul 02, 2026

Pacers' Ivica Zubac Trade Looks Even Better After Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler

NPR’s Alito retirement blunder raises eyebrows after reporter’s ‘not plausible’ explanation stuns media world

Jul 02, 2026

NPR’s Alito retirement blunder raises eyebrows after reporter’s ‘not plausible’ explanatio...