NEW YORK: The LeBron James free agency decision remained unresolved Thursday after the NBA star declined to name his next team during a live Mind the Game recording at Fanatics Fest.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, appearing as a special guest host, asked James about his plans for the 2026–27 season. James closed down the discussion without identifying a preferred destination.
The July 16 recording was part of James’s two-day appearance at the Javits Centre, according to the official Fanatics Fest schedule. The four-time NBA champion said he was looking forward to the final stages of his career regardless of where he signs.
LeBron James gives his thoughts on free agency and what he can bring to the team he decides to go to: pic.twitter.com/KicHunB4ni
— Kalan Hooks (@KalanHookstv) July 16, 2026During a separate interview with Rich Kleiman, James said his wife, daughter and personal happiness were central to the decision. “The family portion is a big thing too,” James said, adding that the choice was “not just about the team.”
James has already informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to play elsewhere next season, according to NBA.com. He spent eight seasons with the franchise and helped the Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship.
The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 regular-season games in 2025–26. His next campaign will be a league-record 24th NBA season.
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James said he would not keep fans waiting “too much longer,” but provided no date for an announcement
