Fans saw tons of drama during LeBron James’ free agency before he landed with the Philadelphia 76ers. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James was operating off a shortlist that included the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Sixers.
It’s crazy because the San Antonio Spurs didn’t even get a look, even though they just made it all the way to the Finals last season. People were shocked they were left off the list, especially since James always talks about how much he loves Victor Wembanyama and how dominant the Spurs are going to be.
King James has called Wemby a generational talent a ton of times, and the respect goes both ways. Wemby even said the four-time champion is one of the smartest players he studies. Plus, the Spurs completely proved they could be the best fit to help the 41-year-old chase his fifth ring.
They fought through a brutal 7-game series to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals before losing to the New York Knicks. Meanwhile, LeBron had to watch the rest of the playoffs from home after the Thunder swept him 4-0 in the second round.
So why didn’t a pairing with Wembanyama ever make James’ list? Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul addressed it on the “Game Over” podcast, comparing the Spurs’ situation to the Knicks.
Paul explained, “It’s similar to the Knicks these are two teams that finished last two teams in the season. Spurs were the runner up. And when you have a guy like Wemby you have to respect his growth, his position on the Spurs. It’s not easy LeBron James shows up it just doesn’t matter who you are.”
Rich Paul on why LeBron didn’t choose the Spurs:
“It’s similar to the Knicks these are two teams that finished last two teams in the season. Spurs were the runner up. And when you have a guy like Wemby you have to respect his growth, his position on the Spurs. It’s not easy… https://t.co/zYoNT3K9eG pic.twitter.com/w9orXQzC03
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 31, 2026
Paul has logic in his words. Wemby is only 22. He’s the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and he’s already the main asset driving a Finals team. Throwing an aging, ball-dominant superstar like James into that mix would just mess up the team chemistry and take the ball out of Wemby’s hands when things are already working.
It’s not that LeBron doesn’t respect the Spurs. He just didn’t want to get in the way of a young star who’s already flying high. Paul basically hinted that’s the exact same reason LeBron looked past the Knicks, too