Rich Paul explains what led LeBron James to reconsider retirement

Before signing a 2-year $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James was considering retirement as he revealed on Twitter. It makes sense. The man has played 23 seasons in the NBA, won four championships, won Rookie of the Year, won four MVPs, named an All-Star 22 times, and has been named to an All-NBA Team 21 times. He has done everything a player possibly can do to cement his legacy.

However, instead of heading off into the sunset, James is getting set to enter year 24 looking to win one last championship–or maybe two. The future Hall of Famer will give the Sixers another aspect of the game they need in order to reach the mountaintop in the league. After eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and leading them to a championship in 2020, he will look to do the same in Philadelphia.

James’ agent, Rich Paul, hopped on the “Game Over” podcast and explained why he thinks James is putting retirement on hold for now as he cited LA’s Round 1 win over the Houston Rockets:

That series in my opinion, convinced him to keep playing. I truly believe that. I think if they somehow got swept or lose 4-1 in that series, it could be different. I think that gave us another ride.

Rich Paul believes LeBron James beating the Rockets last year without Luka is what led him not to retire 😳

“That series in my opinion, convinced him to keep playing. I truly believe that. I think if they somehow got swept or lose 4-1 in that series, it could be different. I… https://t.co/bf7a56SlVYpic.twitter.com/sA5Yqk9KEC

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 24, 2026

James averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists and shot 43.2% from the floor in the 4-2 series win over the Rockets with Luka Doncic sidelined due to an injury. Sure, the Lakers were then swept by the then-defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, but that’s the way it goes with Doncic still sidelined. James still averaged 23.3 points and shot 50% in the four games against the Thunder. It’s obvious he still has something to give to this game.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Rich Paul explains what led LeBron James to reconsider retirement