LeBron James didn't make a snap decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to his agent, Rich Paul, the odds of him staying were as high as 80% before he ultimately chose to move on.
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Speaking on his "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul explained that James initially leaned toward another season in L.
A.
But after weeks of conversations, the four-time NBA champion became "100% sure" it was time for a change.
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The turning point wasn't about securing one last max contract. Paul said he challenged James to identify his top priority heading into Year 24.
The answer was simple: happiness.
Paul said the two agreed that if happiness was the priority, money couldn't be the driving force.
As the NBA's all-time leading scorer continued to think it through, he realized returning to the Lakers was no longer the right move.
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Paul also described the moment he called Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick to inform them negotiations wouldn't be necessary.
The Lakers wanted James back, but Paul insisted there was never a formal offer because James had already made up his mind.
James announced Tuesday he was leaving the Lakers after eight seasons to become a free agent.
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He'll now have a new home for his 24th season, which could be his last.
