Those who know LeBron James swear by this: He, and he alone, will determine where he’ll sign in free agency. And can’t we all hope he takes an extra long time to make up his mind? Isn’t the talk of it, you know, loads of fun?
But two others will no doubt play key roles in where James ultimately signs: Maverick Carter and William “World Wide” Wesley.
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Carter is three years older than James and played basketball with him in high school. He’s been described as James’ right-hand man — he’s Eric to James’ Vincent Chase in the show “Entourage.” He became a central figure when James fired agent Aaron Goodwin five years ago. Carter played college ball at Western Michigan.
Wesley, 45, has no real title, though he is an associate of CAA Sports (same as James’ agent, Leon Rose); he just … knows … everyone. Hence his nickname. Three years ago a GQ Magazine story asked whether he was the “Most Powerful Man in Sports?”
He’s tight with Memphis coach John Calipari and Bulls guard Derrick Rose. But he was also seemingly close to fired Cavs coach Mike Brown. He’s close with Jay-Z and Michael Jordan and was once seen hugging Jerry Jones after the Cowboys won the Super Bowl. His rise to prominence started because he was best friends growing up with former Louisville star Milt Wagner, who once had him room with Jordan at a basketball camp nearly 20 years ago. From there, Wesley rose. Did we mention he’s friends with the Clintons?
Wherever James goes next, both these men will have a say. Just not the final one.
