Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

LeBron James doesn’t want to be in Akron any longer, Rich Paul says

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 9:06 AM ET

Agent Rich Paul offered additional context to recent comments made by LeBron James about certain NBA cities, including Memphis and Milwaukee.

Speaking on the Game Over podcast, Paul said James’ remarks weren’t unusual, noting that even his hometown of Akron isn’t a place he necessarily enjoys spending time.

“Guess where else LeBron don’t want to be? Akron,” Paul said. “He’s from there. He don’t want to be there, he just outgrew it. Which is fine.”

Rich Paul also says LeBron James doesn’t enjoy being in his hometown Akron, Ohio after his comments about Memphis:

“Guess where else LeBron don’t want to be? AKRON! He’s from there! He don’t want to be there, he just outgrew it. Which is fine”

(Via Game Over) https://t.co/MuRUKM7JR1 pic.twitter.com/i4XjgL08Yj

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 4, 2026

James recently drew criticism for comments about Memphis, which he later clarified were related more to travel and accommodations than the city itself.

Paul suggested that perspective comes with experience and time.

James, 41, has spent more than two decades in the NBA and has frequently spoken about the toll of travel over the course of a long season.

Nevertheless, Paul’s comments about James will certainly raise some eyebrows and, as always, are likely to generate a fair amount of backlash.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: