Andy Baskin's latest report suggests LeBron James' camp was close to making an announcement last week during NBA free agency week but pulled back after feeling pressured by the league office, prompting a debate on the show about how much to trust the tip given Baskin's deep Cavs connections. The conversation turns into a broader case for LeBron's leverage, with the hosts arguing he may be the last American male superstar capable of single-handedly holding up a league and that he's still underpaid relative to the value he's generated. They also speculate on what comes next for Rich Paul and Maverick Carter as their business empires evolve alongside LeBron's decision, wondering if the delay is partly the group figuring out what's best for their broader interest
Was LeBron Ready to Announce Before Adam Silver Got in the Way?
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
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By The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima
Jul 23, 2026, 07:11 AM ET
The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima
The only place to talk about the Cleveland sports scene weekday mornings is with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima from 6-10a! The show guides you through…
