NEW YORK — When Tyrese Haliburton tried to recruit LeBron James to the Indiana Pacers last month, all he got back was a simple message: two crying laughing emojis.
That’s about all anyone learned on James’ free agency deliberations during the live taping of his “Mind the Game” podcast Thursday afternoon at Fanatics Fest. James didn’t announce any decision, and didn’t dive deep into his process as he waits to make his call about where he’ll play during the 2026-27 season. He took suggestions from the crowd, naming the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers, but that was the only time he named teams.
But later in the day, James indicated that he expects a decision soon.
“I won’t hold you guys up too much longer,” James said during a panel at the CNBC/Boardroom Game Plan event at the same venue.
While James waits to declare his intentions, he made it known that he expects to remain an impact player wherever he goes.
“Looking forward to what’s next as I wind down the final stages of my journey,” James said. “Wherever I land in the fall, hopefully, you know, if you’re a ride-or-die LeBron fan, you’ve been down with me since Day 1. Hopefully, you ride with me here. If you’re a ride-or-die LeBron hater, that’s what you do anyway, so looking forward to seeing you as well.
“But it’s going to be pretty fun. It’s going to be pretty fun wherever I land. I’m going to do what I do best.”
LeBron James declines to reveal free agency decision
Mike Vorkunov
James announced last month that he wouldn’t return to the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons with the team. He is weighing the 76ers, Warriors, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers as options while deciding where to play his 24th NBA season.
James thanked the Lakers and team governor Jeanie Buss for his time in Los Angeles, calling it “an unbelievable ride.”
But James didn’t drop any bread crumbs about what’s coming next. Instead, his strongest message was to anyone he perceived as doubting his abilities at 41. He will turn 42 in December.
“I’m seeing something on social media the other day that, wherever I go, we may be in the Play-In or some s– like that and I’m not a factor anymore,” he said. “So maybe that as well, too, is a little motivation.”
If James lands in Philadelphia, Cleveland or Miami, the move will further the tilt of talent to the Eastern Conference. He acknowledged that migration as a major storyline of the NBA offseason.
Of course, he didn’t say that would continue.
The most insight James allowed into his psyche came after a fan asked him which team has been his favorite to play with. James took a long pause before answering, but instead of naming just one team, he listed his NBA championship-winning Heat teams, the 2016 Cavaliers, the 2020 Lakers, and made sure to add the 2008 Redeem Team that took gold for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympics. Winning big, it was clear, is important for James.
Haliburton, the co-host for this edition of the podcast, tried to goad James into announcing something when the pair took the stage. But James quickly reminded him that they discussed backstage he wasn’t saying anything.
So the wait on James and his latest lower-case “D” decision continues.
