LeBron Stays Mum on Next Team, Says Wait Won't Be Long
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- LeBron James declined to name his next team during a live taping of his "Mind the Game" podcast at Fanatics Fest before roughly 5,000 people at the Javits Center — his first public appearance since agent Rich Paul informed the Lakers more than two weeks ago that he was leaving via free agency.
- Tyrese Haliburton co-hosted the podcast and recalled texting James a month ago inviting him to Indiana; James replied with just two laughing/crying emojis, prompting Haliburton to say he was "done pursuing him in free agency."
- Later Thursday at the CNBC and Boardroom Game Plan Summit, James hinted the decision is imminent, telling attendees "I won't hold you guys up too much longer."
- The Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors remain among the teams still pursuing James, per ESPN sources.
- James thanked Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, GM Rob Pelinka, coaches, and teammates in his first extensive remarks on leaving, called the eight-year run "an unbelievable ride," and floated playing a possible 25th NBA season on top of a record-setting 24th.
- Former Lakers coach JJ Redick, a "Mind the Game" co-host, sat in the front row attending Fanatics Fest with his two sons Kai and Knox, who collect sports memorabilia.
Why it matters: At 41, James is still drawing pitches from at least four contenders (Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers, Warriors) and floated a 25th NBA season — meaning whichever team signs him inherits a record-setting marketing landmark, while the Lakers see their biggest star depart with no compensation in return.
