Rich Paul explains Rockets' surprise role in LeBron James' 76ers decision

LeBron James spent weeks weighing his future before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Behind that decision was a pivotal moment few fans realized at the time.

His longtime agent Rich Paul revealed new details this week on Game Over, the podcast he co-hosts with Max Kellerman, explaining both what convinced LeBron to keep playing and what ultimately steered him toward Philly over Golden State.

Rich Paul says Rockets series convinced LeBron James to keep playing

Paul opened up about just how close LeBron came to walking away before last season's playoffs changed everything.

"That series, in my opinion, convinced him to keep playing," Paul said of the Lakers' first-round win over the Houston Rockets. "I think if they somehow got swept or lost 4-1 in that series, it could be different. I think that gave us another ride."

James was outstanding throughout that six-game series, averaging 23.2 points, 8.3 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game, remarkable numbers for a 41-year-old logging nearly 39 minutes a night. He did it largely without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both sidelined with injuries. The Lakers won 4-2 before Oklahoma City swept them in the second round.

The emotional weight of that Rockets series, according to Paul, went well beyond simply advancing. Had Los Angeles been bounced early, James' legendary career might have ended in purple and gold. Instead, the performance gave him enough belief to come back for one more run.

Philadelphia beat out Golden State, not just Cleveland and Miami

Philadelphia wasn't just competing with Cleveland and Miami for LeBron's signature. According to Paul, it came down to two teams, including the 76ers and the Golden State Warriors.

"That was a very tough one," Paul said of the Warriors option. "Who wouldn't want to play with Steph Curry and Draymond Green in the Bay Area?"

Curry actively recruited James throughout the summer and Warriors players were making direct pitches. Paul even had Golden State listed alongside Philadelphia on a whiteboard of franchises under consideration. But several factors ultimately pushed LeBron east.

The Western Conference presented a steeper path to a title with Oklahoma City and San Antonio in the way, and the Warriors had roughly $70 million tied up in rehabbing players in Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Crucially, Golden State never made a significant roster move the way Philadelphia did by trading for Jaylen Brown.

On the Philly side, Paul pointed to Tyrese Maxey as an important factor. The two have worked out together for five years, and Paul noted that not every star is mentally prepared to cede the spotlight when LeBron walks in. Maxey, he said, is built differently.

"It takes a special kind of person to mentally embrace that," Paul said. "The familiarity with him and Tyrese, you don't have to worry about that with Tyrese. They know each other, they embrace each other."

James made the final call around 1 a.m. on a Friday, according to Paul, a decision that moved quickly after weeks of deliberation. He enters Philadelphia at 41 years old, older than any teammate by more than a decade, chasing a fifth championship in his 24th NBA season.

More NBA news:

• Mavericks begin early extension talks with 7-1 All-Rookie center on $7.2M deal
• Spurs fans left holding breath after Victor Wembanyama’s scary soccer slip-up
• LeBron James told to free himself from 'ego' before it's too late
• Kevin Durant has blunt response to LeBron James ‘ring chaser’ critics
• Magic Johnson labels Kevin Durant-led Rockets as West contenders