LeBron James used a live taping of the “Mind the Game” podcast at Fanatics Fest on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to thank the Los Angeles Lakers for eight seasons—and to keep his next move under wraps.
Sharing the stage in New York with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, the 41-year-old forward dodged the direct question fans have been awaiting. Haliburton opened the show by asking whether James had reached a decision on free agency, but James grinned and replied, “Didn’t we already talk about this in the back?” prompting laughter before the topic was dropped.
James then acknowledged his most recent employer. “Shout out my former team,” he said. “I spent eight great years with the Los Angeles Lakers. That was an unbelievable ride, and I am looking forward to what comes next as I wind down my journey. It’s going to be fun wherever I land.”
The four-time MVP fueled speculation by joking with the audience about the stream of rumors that link him to several franchises. “I hear the Warriors. I hear the Sixers,” he said, smiling. He also referenced remarks from The Rich Eisen Show, where guest host Chris Brockman suggested Miami would still face the Play-In Tournament even if James signed there—comments that drew laughs from the crowd.
Haliburton revealed he had tried an early recruiting pitch via text message, but the exchange ended quickly when James offered no response. “That was the end of my recruiting efforts,” the Pacers star said.
Basketball talk wasn’t limited to free agency. The pair analyzed the New York Knicks’ recent championship run, with James citing forward OG Anunoby as a pivotal factor.
When the session ended, the game’s all-time leading scorer had still offered no timetable or hint about his destination, extending what fans have dubbed “LeBron Watch 2026.”
Source: Hoops Wire
