Ex-Laker LeBron James had last-minute change of heart in Warriors, Heat, 76ers sweepstakes

Ex-Laker LeBron James had last-minute change of heart in Warriors, Heat, 76ers sweepstakes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>The most sought-after free agent is LeBron James, which is remarkable considering he is 41 years old. James has quite literally put the entire NBA on pause, whether it is free agency or next season's scheduling.

>The four-time NBA champion has been weighing all of his options, a process that has now lasted nearly a month. He is officially in the decision-making phase.

>“It’s decision time for LeBron James… The Leading suitors have been CLE, MIA, GSW, PHI, and MIN…. LeBron James has made it clear privately that he wants to go somewhere he can compete for a championship. Somewhere he feels he finds that happiness from a team environment and CULTURE that he can uplift,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.

>Over the last week, James has been more vocal about what he is looking for in his next team. It is safe to say he wants to join a legitimate championship contender.

>“What's most important is that I want to compete. I want to compete at a high level. I want to join a franchise that shares the same model as myself. That's like practicing championship habits every day,” James said.

>The former MVP still doesn't appear to know which direction he is leaning, as there are several factors to consider. James is preparing for his 24th NBA season, and it could come with any of the five teams that have been mentioned. ESPN's Kendrick Perkins recently reported that he believes James had made a decision before ultimately changing his mind.

>“He's had his mind made up...and then all of a sudden he's changed his mind and he's back to the drawing board again,” Perkins said.

>James' free agency has had a ripple effect across the NBA, and it appears there could still be more time before a final decision is made. The former Lakers star was widely viewed as being on track to join the Warriors from the beginning.

>Perhaps that is the decision Perkins was referring to before other teams began making calls to Rich Paul. A sudden change of heart could explain why James' free agency has stretched on for so long.

>More NBA news:

Warriors predicted to miss out on LeBron James, sign $305M Future Hall of Famer, 6-time All-Star • >Warriors Draymond Green sends message to Adam Silver over ex-Laker LeBron James free agency comment • >Heat predicted to sign $305M Future Hall of Famer, 6X All-Star to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo • >Ex-Lakers superstar LeBron James' agent Rich Paul met with Adam Silver about not rushing decision