15-time Lakers legend sends clear message to LeBron James’ team decision amid chaotic free agency | NBA News
LeBron James’ free agency decision is still unresolved more than a month after he informed the Los Angeles Lakers he would not return as an unrestricted free agent. His agent, Rich Paul, said this week that the four-time MVP will not be rushed into picking his next team, leaving five franchises in limbo.Shaquille O’Neal has now weighed in on where his former teammate should land, and Patrick Beverley had to walk back a false report that briefly sent fans into a frenzy over a decision that never came.
Shaquille O’Neal reacts to LeBron James’ free agency drama
Shocking personal reason behind LeBron James’ Lakers signing comes to light, sending fans into a frenzy Image via: Al Bello/ Getty Images
O’Neal believes James will ultimately chase a fifth championship ring wherever he signs, floating Miami, Golden State and Philadelphia as realistic landing spots given how few playing years James has left. The Hall of Famer also pushed back on the idea that James left the Lakers on bad terms, framing it instead as a front office decision to build around Luka Doncic rather than a locker room fracture.“Knowing LeBron, he is going to go somewhere he can win another ring— Miami, Golden State, maybe even Philly. What we realized toward the end of our careers is that once we’re done, we can never play again. You never want to retire and say, ‘I should have done this, I should have done that.’ He still has two or three years left, I think, so kudos to him for trying to align himself with a team where he can win another championship,” Shaq said in his recent appearance on Extra’s.Asked about a possible reunion in Cleveland, O’Neal said finishing his career where it started would carry real weight. He closed with a simple well-wish for his former teammate: “But I wish him well. Every team he goes to, I know it’s going to be exciting, and I hope he can win his fifth ring.”
Patrick Beverley reveals that his source lied about LeBron James’ decision
Beverley claimed James would reveal his decision on Monday, a report that spread fast given his ties to the league. When Monday passed with no announcement, Beverley admitted the tip was bad, posting on X: “Can’t believe that source lied to me man.”The retraction reveals how little verified information is actually circulating around James’ camp right now. Rich Paul has stayed guarded in every public appearance, and no outlet, including Beverley’s source, has produced a confirmed timeline.
LeBron James is still taking it slow
James has given suitors little to work with beyond telling fans at Fanatics Fest last week that he “won’t hold you guys up too much longer.” Paul said the calls from interested teams asking if there’s more they should be doing have all gotten the same answer: “We’re not going to be rushed.”Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the league is holding off on finalizing next season’s schedule until James signs. Paul isn’t pretending to have inside knowledge of the timing either, saying the call could come in minutes or could stretch on much longer. Until it does, five franchises and a national broadcast schedule stay on hold.
