LeBron James keeps NBA guessing on next team

NEW YORK — LeBron James kept the NBA guessing about his next destination Thursday, offering no clues about where he will play his record-extending 24th season during an appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York.

James recorded an episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast before a capacity crowd of about 5,000, but he quickly dismissed expectations that he would announce his next team.

Indiana Pacers star and podcast co-host Tyrese Haliburton drew cheers when he opened the program by asking James whether he had a decision to announce.

“We just talked about this in the back,” James said.

“OK, OK, I’ll leave it alone,” Haliburton replied.

James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, became a free agent after telling the Los Angeles Lakers in June that he planned to play elsewhere during the 2026–27 season.

The four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player spent eight seasons with the Lakers and helped the franchise win the 2020 championship.

Speculation has centered partly on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the home-state franchise James led to its first NBA championship in 2016.

That title followed the two championships James won with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.

A return to Miami has also been discussed as James considers the final stage of his career.

The Philadelphia 76ers emerged as another possible destination after acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster trade involving Paul George and draft picks

Western Conference possibilities include the Golden State Warriors, where James could team with longtime friend and rival Stephen Curry.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have also been linked to James, potentially pairing the veteran with young star Anthony Edwards.

“I’ve heard Warriors, I heard Philly,” James said in response to a fan’s question.

“We’ll see what happens.”

James discussed the New York Knicks’ championship run, his continued love of playing basketball, and the outlook for the league next season.

New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win the 2026 NBA title and end the franchise’s 53-year championship drought.

James, who will turn 42 in December, said he remains enthusiastic about playing as he approaches the closing phase of his career.

“I think the East is going to be very exciting,” he said.

“I would say this is the first time in a long time that coming into a pre-season that the Eastern Conference will be talked about a little bit more than the Western Conference.”

James also thanked the Lakers organization and described his eight-year stay in Los Angeles as “an unbelievable ride.”

“And I am looking forward to what comes next as I wind down my journey,” he added.

“It’s going to be fun wherever I land,” he said.