NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the Fanatics Fest on Thursday that LeBron James’ impending free-agency decision has impacted the league’s schedule planning for the upcoming season. Even at 41, James continues to be one of the biggest draws in the NBA, and it will be a significant moment when he chooses his next team.
However, James, who is aware of his influence, is taking his time. Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe implied that the former Los Angeles Lakers star is prioritizing himself for the first time ahead of his 24th season, which could be his last.
“He [James] said for the past 23 years, I’ve done everything on your time,” Sharpe said on Nightcap. I’ve been on your schedule, I’ve done everything that you asked me to do, I’ve been a model citizen. I’ve conducted myself, and I’ve tried to be the greatest of great ambassadors for the NBA. Just allow me this to make sure this is the right decision for me ’cause this could potentially be my last that I make when involved in an NBA roster.”
Sharpe believes James is about 90-95% sure of his next landing spot, but wants to get this right, as this could be his last team and shot at a championship. James has garnered interest from multiple contenders, including the Cavaliers, 76ers, Warriors, Heat, and Timberwolves, all of whom present intriguing opportunities.
James’ priority is to win a championship and be happy, so he has to evaluate more than just picking another team to play for.
LeBron James is weighing his daughter Zhuri James’ preference
There’s no timeline for LeBron James to decide on where he’s playing. However, most people in the league are hoping it’s as early as next week. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who has broken several stories about James, reported that on Thursday, while sharing James’ comments about his daughter Zhuri’s influence on his decision.
“When it comes to his family James said he has certainly weighing the thoughts of his soon to be 12 year old daughter Zhuri,” the insider said at the Fanatics Fest. “He made sure to tell her before he was leaving the Lakers so she heard it from him first. And he told her that her feelings of the decision would “mean a lot” to him. I’m told that James is nearing that decision and folks around the league are hoping it comes as early as next week.”
James and his family have lived in Los Angeles for the past eight years. His eldest son, Bronny, is still with the Lakers and likely to stay put. His younger son, Bryce, is playing college basketball at Arizona. Meanwhile, his daughter Zhuri is a volleyball player at Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles.
If LeBron James moves to the Eastern Conference, he won’t be around his family as much, which makes his decision tough. He has the option to stay close to his LA home if he chooses the Golden State Warriors, but it remains to be seen what the four-time MVP does.
Read more:
- “Such a Lazy Take, Man”: Heat Fans Bash Ashley Nicole Moss for Dismissing the Heat as Favorites Even With LeBron James
- Steve Kerr Sends Warriors Fans Into Frenzy After Seemingly Joking That They Have Signed LeBron James
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