LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul won’t be putting any specific timeline on his client’s free-agent decision.

They’re in no rush despite how badly the basketball world wishes the NBA’s all-time scoring leader would make a choice.

"There’s been several people to call and say, ‘Hey, Rich, is there anything more we should be doing? We could be doing?' And my answer is, ‘No. We don’t need you to go above and beyond about anything. We understand it. It’s clear. All the messages have been sent,’" Paul said on the "Game Over" podcast with Max Kellerman.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Paul is basically saying James has all the information he needs from prospective teams, enough so that he will be content with whatever choice he ends up making.

However, Paul stressed that James will do so when he’s ready. And Paul has no clue when, or where, that’s going to happen.

LEBRON JAMES TELLS LOS ANGELES LAKERS HE WILL LEAVE IN FREE AGENCY AFTER EIGHT SEASONS: REPORT

"These people don’t know anything. I don’t know when his choice is going to be made, but it could be 48 seconds [from now]," Paul explained. "It could be 48 minutes. I don’t know. Again, you can’t make somebody know something that they don’t know."

It’s gotten to the point where James’ free-agent decision has caused drama throughout the NBA world, as anticipation rises with every day that passes without word.

At Fanatics Fest this past weekend, James made several appearances, where crowds flooded the Javits Center in Manhattan to see if he would reveal where he’s going. They were disappointed when he had nothing to reveal.

Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned that James’ decision is holding up the league’s schedule for next season. Paul mentioned that he met with Silver to discuss that situation, reiterating that James will make the decision when he’s ready – not because of any other factor.

The arguable basketball "G.O.A.T." helped the Lakers earn the No. 4 seed in a strong Western Conference this past season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games. And though Luka Doncic was unavailable in the playoffs, James was able to lead the Lakers past the Houston Rockets in the first round before a sweep to the Oklahoma City Thunder in May.

James will turn 42 during the 2026-27 NBA season, but the 22-time All-Star and four-time MVP continues to prove his worth.

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS

But, for those believing he’s dragging out yet another decision longer than it needs to be, Paul is stern with his response: James won’t be rushed.

The league – the world – will just have to keep waiting for the right time.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A lifelong Democrat and former Clinton administration official issued a warning to his party, arguing that radical socialist factions will "destroy" the Democratic Party if leadership fails to act.

Speaking on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday, Jamie Metzl called on Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and party leaders to stand against the threat posed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

"The DSA is a radical extremist movement trying to take over the Democratic Party," Metzl said. "They want to seize the means of production. They want to eradicate police and prisons. They have a terrible message of discord and hate.

DEM REP HENRY CUELLAR REJECTS DSA AGENDA, SAYS SOCIALISTS ARE TRYING TO 'USE' DEMOCRATIC PARTY

"So, unless the Democratic Party takes on these dangerous, extremist radicals in a very clear and unequivocal way now, we will destroy our own party. And that's not good for the Democrats, and it's not for America."

Fox News Digital reached out to the DSA for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Metzl described a struggle for power in the Democratic Party between moderate factions and those aligned more closely with the DSA. He urged Jeffries and other Democrats to "lead the charge against these extremist radicals who are running on the Democratic Party line."

JEFFRIES' SOCIALISM DILEMMA: NEW YORK VICTORIES EXPOSE DEMOCRATIC PARTY DIVIDE

He said Jeffries needs to take a clear stand, arguing Jeffries has been trying to balance criticism of the DSA with what Metzl described as support for some of the group's positions.

"Hakeem Jeffries is trying to strike a balance between being a little bit critical and being supportive, and I understand the motivation because they're trying to gain a majority in the House. But if the Democrats gain a majority of the House miraculously, but do it by an alliance with these radicals, it's going to be very, very dangerous for the Democrats to really do anything," Metzl said.

"Now is the time for the Democrats to say, 'Here's who we are, and here's what we stand for. And the future of the Democratic Party is not accommodating dangerous extremist radicals who are against American democracy.'"

MAMDANI DOUBLES DOWN ON DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISM WHILE INSISTING WALL STREET, BUSINESS LEADERS CAN WORK WITH HIM

Metzl’s warnings come after several democratic socialists won major elections, including in New York and Colorado. Melat Kiros, a new candidate backed by the DSA, pulled off an upset in Colorado, defeating longtime Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver's heavily Democratic district.

In late June, a group of far-left candidates won their elections in New York with backing from New York City’s democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani. The winners included newcomer Darializa Avila Chevalier, who beat Rep. Adriano Espaillat, and Brad Lander, who defeated Rep. Dan Goldman.

Buying a first home in the Seattle-Tacoma area has become one of the toughest challenges in the country, according to a new study ranking the region among the nation's worst places for first-time homebuyers because of soaring housing costs and limited affordability.

A new study from WalletHub ranked Seattle 204th and Tacoma 190th out of 300 in a survey ranking American cities for first-time homebuyers.

Jake Skorheim and Spike O’Neill, co-hosts of "The Jake and Spike Show" on KIRO Newsradio, asked listeners what they look for in buying a home, and the ensuing discussion centered around affordability.

DEM WHO WELCOMED SOCIALIST MAYOR'S 'CHANGE' NOW SOUNDING ALARM OVER BILLIONAIRE EXODUS: 'GRAVELY CONCERNED'

Chris, a military veteran in Marysville, texted a response to the KIRO Newsradio textline, sharing that he is looking to purchase a home, but the prices are "ridiculous" for a home that is essentially on top of another home next door.

"We look for affordability first, and then space," Chris said. "I don’t like being surrounded on all four sides by other homes. Since I’m ex-military, being close to a military facility is important to us as well, so we can use those benefits I’ve earned from my retirement from the U.S. Navy. Homes are going for $550,000-$600,000 for a standard three-bedroom, two-bath home. It’s very difficult to find something affordable."

Jake addressed "shocking" housing market developments over time and how something he once considered affordable is no longer so.

"I mean, it is shocking the amount of money that you see houses going for these days," Jake said. "The costs, it’s so strange when you live in a state for a long time. I was born and raised here, and if God wills, I will end up dying in Washington. I love it here, but I remember when homes were, at least as a kid, affordable; they did not seem crazy."

"Absolutely, the threshold of entry is a barrier to entry, absolutely," Spike replied.

SEATTLE'S SOCIALIST MAYOR SLAMMED FOR DISMISSIVE WAVE TO TAX-WEARY RESIDENTS

Spike said he bought a home in the Seattle area for about $200,000 after arriving at a favorable time in the housing market and later sold it for a substantial profit when he relocated.

"Now, Washington, they have just been chipping away at us," Jake said. "Now it’s very expensive. Housing is expensive, and everything surrounding housing is expensive."

"It’s interesting because our first home purchase in the city would have been in 1992. Prime Seattle time, it was the place to be," Spike said. "It seems America had just discovered Seattle. For us, it was affordability and proximity to my job. We bought on Queen Anne Hill for, I don’t even want to tell you what we paid. By the way, the same house, which has been updated, we did a lot of upgrades to the house, and we quadrupled our investment. Maybe 10 years after we bought it. It’s not like they added another story. It’s the same place. It’s location and the view."

THE AMERICAN DREAM NOW COMES WITH A ZIP CODE: HERE'S WHERE STARTER HOMES ARE STILL WITHIN REACH

According to NPR affiliate KUOW, in February 2024, the average price of a starter home in Seattle was $535,000, with a monthly mortgage of $4,334.

Fox News Digital reached out to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson for comment.

Of the 50 worst cities for first-time homebuyers on the list, 36 of them were in California.

OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m.

Greetings from the Wisconsin Northwoods!

My husband, our dog and I are on our annual pilgrimage up north to see the in-laws. And after I clock out today, we're headed to the Minnesota North Shore for some hiking, sightseeing and general Lake Superior viewing.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE

Thank God that wildfire smoke cleared.

When I checked the Air Quality Index (AQI) — something I had never even remotely considered before this weekend, by the way — the area we're going to visit in Minnesota had something like a 600. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy, I learned.

And knowing my Airbnb reservation was non-refundable, I was getting pretty nervous.

Fortunately, it looks like we're in the clear. Unless more fires start, of course. But let's hope that doesn't happen. For everyone's sake.

Grab yourself an ice cold Spotted Cow (if you know, you know) and settle in. It's Nightcaps time.

Whenever a sports season ends, there's this ongoing tradition where we all debate whether that sport's resident old guy is going to retire. Aaron Rodgers, LeBron James, and now... Lionel Messi.

Of course, he would have loved to go out with a second-consecutive World Cup win, but that's not how the cookie crumbled.

Messi shared a message on his official Instagram account before Argentina lost to Spain in the final, thanking his teammates, coaches and staff.

FIFA LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO BRAWL AFTER SPAIN DEFEATED ARGENTINA IN WORLD CUP FINAL

"The best thing about all these years has never been just the titles, but the whole journey. Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in difficult moments, and enjoying every step," Messi wrote.

"Thanks to each of my teammates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this National Team a family."

Ooh, cryptic! Does that mean this is his last World Cup? Will he suit up at the ripe young age of 43 in 2030?

I don't know. He didn't tell me.

But on Monday, Messi's wife, model Antonela Roccuzzo, shared a post that also sounded pretty final.

Allow me to translate for you: "You’ll always be the best," Roccuzzo wrote. "Not only because of your talent, but because you never stopped being yourself. Because no matter what happens, you never give up, you always fight to the end, and you give your all until the very last second."

She continued, "That strength, that mindset, and that way of getting back up time and time again are what make you unique."

In an interview earlier this year, Messi said: "I love playing football, and I'm going to do it until I can't anymore."

But you know how that worked out for Tom Brady's marriage. Maybe just don't let Antonela take any jiu-jitsu classes, just to be safe.

Three guarantees: death, taxes and wacky stuff going down in Yellowstone National Park.

Last week, we watched a grandpa (who was minding his own business) get launched several feet into the air by an angry bison.

Shoutout to the park, by the way, for sending out the warning a few days too late.

Anyway, that guy wasn't at fault. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Unfortunately, though, we do see a lot of dumbf—ery on the part of humans in our National Parks.

In the latest edition, check out these two tourists who decided to hop off the boardwalk and take a stroll across the Grand Prismatic.

In case you don't know, the Grand Prismatic is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world. It spans roughly 370 feet in diameter and reaches depths of over 121 feet.

And as the name "hot springs" suggests, it's HOT. Scalding hot. Last year, a bison tragically boiled to death after stumbling into one of Yellowstone's hot springs.

I feel bad for the bison. I wouldn't feel bad for these two.

Any of y'all ever do a HYROX? It's sort of like CrossFit except every competition has the exact same events/exercises.

One of my good friends from high school wants me to do the one in Nashville with her this winter. And considering I talked her into a 20-mile hike last year, I guess I owe it to her.

I suppose I should start training for it sometime soon. If, that is, we can even get tickets. Apparently there's a long line of people signing up to torture themselves in these HYROX races, so it's tough to get in.

I tend to say yes to physical challenges without truly thinking through what the training will entail. This is how I've been roped into multiple half marathons, bodybuilding competitions, a Ragnar Race, a couple Mammoth Marches and an OUTLAST trail race.

But if there's one endurance challenge I won't be partaking in, it's the '5 Guys Challenge.'

No, it has nothing to do with the burger chain and it's not the latest stunt by Bonnie Blue.

The 5 Guys Challenge — which, best I can tell, was created by guy on TikTok named @lukaslogss and his buddies — requires five fellas to collectively complete the following tasks: drink 5 gallons of milk, do 5,000 push-ups, throw 500 high fives, catch 5 fish, run a cumulative 50 kilometers, hit 500 3-pointers on the court and complete 5 video games.

Now my video game days ended with Mario Kart on N64, so what do I know? But completing an entire video game takes a REALLY long time, yes? I don't even think Mario can rescue Princess Peach on Super Nintendo in 24 hours.

Especially if he has to drink a gallon of milk, go fishing, run a 10K and do 1,000 pushups.

Absolute animals.

Let's open the mailbag.

📩 Email: amber.harding@outkick.com (Send your thoughts, stories, tips, rants and photos of your dog.)

🐦 Twitter/X: @TheAmberHarding

📸 Instagram: @amberharding

Over the weekend, I wrote about USC Football's incredibly dumb Odyssey-themed hype post. They're obviously trying to capitalize on the popularity of Christopher Nolan's new movie — the one that follows Odysseus' 10-year journey home following the Trojan War.

The problem, of course, is that the Trojans lost the Trojan War. Spectacularly.

And this isn't even the first time the USC athletic department has gotten its ancient Greek literature confused. A couple of years ago they did a Trojan-Horse-themed hype video.

The Trojan Horse was not a good thing for the Trojans, either, FYI.

Richard M. writes: As an ancient history major, I really appreciated your column. As an Oregon Duck fan, I really appreciated your column.

One additional point about the Spartans, if I may. Sparta was not just part of the Greek army. The King of Sparta (Menelaus) was actually the one married to Helen when Paris came along and swiped her.

We stumbled upon this ball at the dog park, and I'm quite sure whoever left it behind was missing it because it was gone the next day. I don't blame them, I would have gone back to retrieve it too. You don't normally think of sophisticated mechanical and materials engineering in the same sentence with a dog toy, but this ball had both.

The size of a tennis ball but the heft of a baseball for good distance, with outside grooves and a hollow center which make it bounce funny and not true. Obviously a material as dense as tire rubber, but so squishy that it's an irresistible chew toy. It's also apparently indestructible, because Lexi has been chomping hers as an all-day chewie for the better part of three weeks and the ball hasn't even noticed. She's got sharp adolescent teeth and loves to chomp, and we're used to her destroying even high quality Kong toys. This ball — except for some surface abrasion, it looks like it could have come straight from the package. In a word, if your k9bff is a ball chaser, this is the ball that has everything. I dunno if that's Rocky, but I'm sure the shoe fits plenty of your readers.

Took me a minute to track it down, all I knew from the ball itself was it came from an outfit called Chuckit. I was expecting it to be some specialty piece from Chewy for $27 a ball, but turns out they're 2 for $8 at Walmart. It's called a Rebounce, because it also turns out it's made from recycled materials. Yah, recycled into indestructibility. Oh, those engineers!

Amber:

As a ball enthusiast, my German Shepherd Rocky has many varieties — including an orange and blue Chuckit ball. But with a review like this, I guess I'll have to throw a Rebounce in my Amazon cart.

Drew in Katy, Texas, writes: I've seen some amazing moments of deer gracefully leaping fences. I've seen the dogs jump into the pools in competition. I never knew that there were dogs that leap like these. 

I have no idea what breed this is. You sure don't have to get out and open agate for them to let them through a fence. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS

Chris L. writes: You did a little note awhile back about my dog Gus who is battling cancer. Back in October, we were told he had about 3-6 months even after the amputation and chemo. Well today the big guy celebrated his 6th birthday with a trip to the store to pick out a new toy. Here he is happily carrying his choice out of the store!

Amber:

Go Gus! Keep on fighting, buddy.

Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate will remain behind bars for now after appearing in federal court in Miami Monday, where they formally began fighting the United Kingdom's bid to extradite the controversial brothers on dozens of charges, including rape and human trafficking.

During the brief hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lauren Louis informed the brothers they were being held on a provisional arrest warrant from the U.K. and that extradition proceedings were already underway. 

The judge later scheduled a status hearing for July 27 as the brothers prepare to challenge both the extradition request and whether they should remain in custody while the case moves forward.

Attorney Joseph McBride told reporters that the brothers are innocent and said he does not expect them to be released.

FBI BRINGS ALLEGED CHINA-LINKED HACKER TO US IN RARE EXTRADITION AS PATEL DEFENDS ITALY TRIP

"There will be a series of hearings," McBride said of the extradition process.

Andrew and Tristan Tate appeared wearing gray jail uniforms and shackles and each responded, "Yes, your honor," when Judge Louis advised them of their rights. 

The judge also explained that the proceeding was an extradition matter, not a criminal trial, and that the brothers would not be required to attend every hearing.

The brothers were arrested in Miami over the weekend after British authorities announced 38 additional charges involving four additional alleged victims.

Andrew Tate, 39, faces seven additional rape counts, as well as charges related to sex trafficking and indecent images of a child. Tristan Tate, 38, faces charges including two rape counts and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.

British police said the new allegations bring the total number of charges against the brothers to 59. The alleged offenses are said to have occurred between July 2010 and August 2017.

"We have decided to prosecute Andrew and Tristan Tate for further offenses including rape, arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation and offences relating to indecent images of a child," Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said.

DOCTOR INDICTED ON 81 NEW SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES IN CASE INVOLVING DOZENS OF VICTIMS

The Tate brothers, who hold dual U.S. and British citizenship, have denied wrongdoing.

They also face separate criminal proceedings in Romania, where authorities have been investigating them since December 2022.

"I want to make it clear there is no place for male violence against women and girls in our society and we will continue to work tirelessly to support victims and investigate all reports made to us," said assistant chief constable Karena Thomas, lead for Britain's Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit.

FORMER PRINCE ANDREW UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR ALLEGED INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT WITH WOMAN AT ROYAL ASCOT

The brothers have built a large online following promoting their views on masculinity and wealth, while Andrew Tate has previously described himself as a misogynist.

Andrew Tate is additionally due to face a civil trial in Britain brought by four women who accuse him of physical and sexual abuse.

The four claimants, who have been granted anonymity, allege Tate subjected them to physical or sexual violence between 2013 and 2015. Two say they were in an intimate relationship with Tate, while two worked for his online webcam business.

Andrew Tate denies those allegations. In his written defense, his lawyers said the claims are false and that all sexual activity was consensual.

Fox News' Andre Tinoco and Reuters contributed to this report.

Spending more time in bright daylight could help people fall asleep earlier and get deeper sleep at night, according to new research.

A study led by researchers at the University of Manchester found that adults with brighter and more consistent daytime light exposure tended to fall asleep earlier, wake up earlier and experience more deep sleep during the first part of the night.

The findings, published in the journal NPJ Biological Timing and Sleep, were based on more than 500 days of data collected from 89 adults who wore light sensors and sleep trackers while keeping daily sleep diaries.

DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE

Participants who spent more time in brighter daylight generally fell asleep and woke up earlier than those with less light exposure. Those with more consistent daytime light exposure also experienced healthier sleep timing and more deep sleep early in the night, according to the study.

Jennifer Martin, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and professor at Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, said the findings align with what sleep experts already know about how light affects the body's internal clock.

"Light impacts human sleep through a specific pathway, starting with the eye," Martin, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"When light hits specific cells in the retina, it communicates to the brain that it's daytime, meaning we should be alert and active."

Morning light is especially beneficial because it helps keep the body's sleep-wake cycle consistent, Martin said. She recommends spending time outdoors early in the day when possible.

"Exposure to sunlight early in the day is really good for healthy sleep," she said. "Regular morning light helps people feel sleepy around the same time each evening and build a strong sleep routine."

Limiting bright light in the evening can also help improve sleep, Martin said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

She recommends avoiding bright light during the last couple of hours before bedtime and maintaining a consistent wake-up time each morning.

"Varying your wake time by more than about one hour can lead to feelings of 'jet lag' and contribute to trouble with regularly sleeping well," Martin said.

She added that adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night and seek help from a sleep specialist if sleep problems become chronic.

While the findings suggest brighter daytime light may support healthier sleep, the researchers said the study has several limitations.

They noted that the research found an association between daytime light exposure and sleep patterns but did not prove that one directly caused the other.

The researchers also measured light exposure using wrist-worn devices rather than at the eyes, where light directly influences the body's internal clock, and did not account for factors such as physical activity or meal timing that could affect sleep.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said Friday that the Trump administration is seeking to debank illegal immigrants as an incentive for them to self-deport from the United States.

Miller gave an update on the White House's latest tactic to deter illegal immigration during an interview Friday on The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show.

"President Trump signed an executive order a few weeks ago saying that we are not going to allow illegal aliens to use banking services in this country," Miller said.

"Illegal aliens have credit cards, they have bank accounts, and they're paid with direct deposit. So, illegal aliens fully participate in the commercial systems, the financial systems of America. Shutting that down is a massive engine for deportation," he added.

OBAMA-APPOINTED JUDGE TORPEDOES TRUMP'S BID TO PROTECT US JOBS BY REFORMING CONTROVERSIAL IMMIGRATION POLICY

Miller was likely referring to an executive order Trump signed on May 19 that directed banks and federal regulators to increase scrutiny of accounts and credit applications involving immigrants without legal status or work authorization.

The order did not explicitly instruct banks to deny credit cards or bank accounts to illegal immigrants, but compliance with it could make it more difficult for them to participate in the financial system.

Federal agencies have already begun acting on Trump's executive order.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ORDERS GREEN CARD APPLICANTS TO LEAVE THE US, APPLY FROM THEIR HOME COUNTRIES

In early June, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, led by Russell Vought, issued guidance stating that lenders may — and in some cases must — consider applicants' immigration status and work authorization when assessing their ability to repay loans.

Miller also referenced guidance from three federal agencies issued on July 13 "reminding supervised financial institutions to apply existing safe-and-sound credit risk management practices when lending to borrowers who are not legally authorized to work in the United States."

Both advisories serve to tell banks that illegal immigrants could be higher-risk customers for loans.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.