LeBron James didn’t reveal his next NBA home at Fanatics Fest, but hinted that a decision is coming soon
Though James didn't reveal much while recording his "Mind the Game" podcast with Tyrese Haliburton on Thursday, he said in a panel later in the day that he “won’t hold you guys up too much longer."
All eyes were on LeBron James as the free agent took the stage at Fanatics Fest in New York City on Thursday. Recording a live episode of his podcast, Mind the Game, some speculated that the former Laker would announce where he’s heading next season.
Alas, no dice.
The question is on everyone’s mind, even his co-host, Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers star joked with James, “What are you going on, what is this … Year 76?” as a not-so-subtle nod to the speculation that James will end up in Philadelphia.
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Early in the event, Haliburton tried to press James on his decision, but he wasn’t having it.
“We literally talked about this in the back, Rese,” he said. Haliburton backed off, replying that he would “leave it alone.”
As fans were shouting various NBA teams he should join during the podcast recording, James said: “What do I hear? I heard Warriors … and Philly … Miami … this guys just told me to come to the Yankees. … We’ll see what happens.“
The most James said about his current situation was in response to an 11-year-old who asked how he feels about being a free agent.
James responded that “it’s a big decision for not only myself but for my family as well … where I want to spend the last few years, or the last year, or the last two years.”
Later Thursday at the CNBC and Boardroom Game Plan Summit, James hinted that a decision could be coming soon, and that he “won’t hold you guys up too much longer,” according to ESPN.
Many have speculated that the 41-year-old is heading into his final year in the NBA. Perhaps that’s not the case.
During his live podcast, James also touched on the current strength of the Eastern Conference, acknowledging the Jaylen Brown trade to the 76ers and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat — another team James is reportedly considering in free agency.
“I think the East right now is going to be very exciting,” James said. He added that heading into the preseason, this may be the first time the Eastern Conference gets discussed more than the West.
Current Sixers, like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Brown have communicated directly with James, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. These comments come alongside the team’s new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, who told The Inquirer on Tuesday that they would “love to have him in Philly.”