It was quickly rebuffed by the Los Angeles Lakers, who went to James’ agent, Rich Paul, to gauge his interest. But Hall of Famer Gary Payton, an Oakland native and former Laker, doesn’t believe James should leave his kingdom in Los Angeles. “LeBron did what he wanted — [what] he was supposed to. He said, ‘I’m staying where I’m at,’” Payton told Yahoo Sports right before All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. Payton is slated to be one of the judges for the AT&T; Slam Dunk Competition on Saturday night. “He’s been traveling too many times, been to Cleveland, you know. He been to Miami, went back to Cleveland. This is his last stop, man.” -via Yahoo! Sports / February 17, 2024