LeBron James owes no one. Take as much time as needed for his decision

Funny how everyone believes LeBron James should make his decision as to where he will play the final years of his legendary career on their terms.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wants LeBron to hurry it up so he can finalize the schedule, telling him to “make his announcement already,” so they can determine what team is part of the opening night and Christmas Day packages; and who gets the most prime-time appearances.

Just because LeBron is alone at the top of the list in the last quarter century as to why this league is thriving when it comes to audience, media rights (second only to the NFL), digital dominance and international popularity, he should rush such an important business decision?

What Silver should have said is: “Thank you, LeBron, for not retiring and deciding to play a couple of more years and helping me justify my $10 million salary. Now take your time. Two months is plenty of time to set a schedule.”

Then there are those looking to push their clown acts by ripping LeBron for not acting on their timelines. Take Jim Rome, who comes in off the top rope, saying all LeBron wants is “attention,” adding it’s his “oxygen” and the only thing he likes as much as himself.

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That’s like Patrick Reed calling out Bryson DeChambeau for cheating.

Note to Silver: Don’t bother contacting Donald Trump to help push along the decision. Don’t think LeBron would take the president’s call.

So take a deep breath and relax. Whether LeBron makes this decision by the time you are reading this or not until the NFL kicks off its preseason with the Hall of Fame Game, the NBA will go off without a hitch.

And its teams will continue to conduct business as usual.

LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, said on July 21 that he does not know when his client will decide where he wants to play next season. Some have reported he was very close to that decision a week ago but then had a change of heart and needed more time.

Perhaps that change of heart occurred when he saw Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting at a podium with Heat president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra, turning LeBron a bit nostalgic and thinking about returning to the scene of the most successful four-year span in his 23-year career.

Paul even sent a message, telling the Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors they have done all they can and to proceed with business.
have to make a decision?

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“We’re not going to be rushed,” Paul said on the latest podcast episode of “Game Over.” “We’re not going to be rushed. It’s his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he’ll make it.

“There’s been several people to call and say, ‘Hey, Rich, is there anything more we should be doing? We could be doing?’ ” Paul added. “And my answer is, ‘No. We don’t need you to go above and beyond about anything. We understand it. It’s clear. All the messages have been sent.’ ”

If one of those is Riley, it’s from Europe, where he will be on vacation until August.

Riley, though, spoke to a group of reporters the day the team introduced Antetokounmpo, confirming conversations with Paul, and saying, “right now, I think we’re like everybody else. We’re just waiting to see what he does, and then we’ll see what happens.”

This is not about money. LeBron’s salary is going to be close to the veteran minimum for a player with his service. This is not about where LeBron will settle after his career. He is establishing a base in Los Angeles where his businesses are centered. He is building an estate in Beverly Hills.

This is about fit, and comfort, and where one of the greatest ever to play the game wants to finish his career.

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A decision is coming. But first LeBron’s camp has to contact ESPN to set up a 75-minute special called The Decision Part Quatre.

Just kidding. Imagine the outcry if LeBron attempted to raise more money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and other charities.

Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.