The four teams that F LeBron James “strongly considered” were the 76ers, Heat, Cavaliers and Warriors, and agent Rich Paul that James’ list was never shortened to finalists. During an appearance on Max Kellerman’s “Game On” podcast, Paul said James made the decision “100%” on Friday at 1am after going “back and forth” all day. Paul: “It was a really tough decision for him. It was a rollercoaster ride. I’m seeing the rollercoaster every day … Seeing a guy that accomplished still get excited and a little nervous is a cool thing to see.” Paul said the Sixers were only considered after the acquisition of G Jaylen Brown from the Celtics. He said James’ relationships with fellow Klutch Sports client and Sixer G Tyrese Maxey played a role as did his relationship with Sixers President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey. Both were high school stars in Ohio. Paul: “Adding someone like LJ to that fold, when you have a mix and old, you need young to compete in today’s game … Do they have the perfect roster? Probably not. Do they have a pretty good starting five? Probably so.” Paul also commented on ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter saying that he was told by a trusted source to watch out for the Heat: “I felt bad for my guy Adam Schefter; somebody sold him a lemon” (MIAMI HERALD, 7/25).

The WALL STREET JOURNAL’s O’Connell & Federman said James might be “the NBA’s greatest bargain ever.” The 76ers “didn’t just get one of the greatest players in history. They got him on a budget” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/26).

THE ATHLETIC’s Verdon & Aldridge wrote under the headline: “Inside LeBron’s Philadelphia Decision: Why pretty much everyone was completely in the dark.” No one “knew what LeBron was going to do up until Friday. They might have thought they knew from time to time, but it played out as a winding mystery” (THE ATHLETIC, 7/25).

In N.Y., Mike Lupica wrote under the header, “LeBron is still chasing championships and that’s great for sports.” You “don’t have to love him, or like the way he has moved (around). … But you have to know at the same time that nobody has ever wanted to win more than he does.” Lupica: “As much, certainly. Just not more” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/25).

The implications of James’ move to Philly were apparent in coverage around the country: