Lebron James Decision Live Updates, Rumors On When Star Chooses Next Team

LeBron James makes public appearence for "Mind the Game" podcast

LeBron James is set to take the stage for his "Mind the Game" podcast at Fanatics Fest in New York City, which he is co-hosting with Tyrese Haliburton. It remains to be seen if there is any substantial free agency news to come with the event.

The Miz makes impassioned plea to James on behalf of Cleveland

During the red carpet show ahead of tonight's ESPY Awards, WWE wrestler and Ohio native The Miz made his case for James to return to the Cavaliers to bookend his career with his hometown team.

"I don't think I need to sell him," he told ESPN's Monica McNutt. "I was at the American Century Championship playing with Charles Barkley. Barkley told me ... 'There's only one move. The only move is going home to Cleveland.' Why you ask? Well, anywhere else you're chasing Michael Jordan's championships. When you go home, it's a homecoming. It's like 2016 all over again.

"Bring Draymond, bring Kyrie, bring everyone to Cleveland and get your hometown a championship once again."

.@mikethemiz gives his pitch for LeBron to return to Cleveland ???? pic.twitter.com/ibWRyXyuWz

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 15, 2026

Is LeBron James close choosing his next team? What we're hearing

At this stage, James has all the information he needs from teams and is weighing his options, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly comment on the specifics of James’ thinking. As a result, a decision could be imminent.

James, 41, is a player who has unparalleled stature in the NBA. As such, he’s calculated and deliberate about his decision making and is able to decide his future on his own terms. James has earned that right, and he’s being intentional about his decision.

James, a 22-time All-Star and four-time champion, has played a record 23 seasons in the NBA and wants to compete for another championship.

LeBron James next team: Are Warriors favorites for the King?

Front Office Sports reported on Tuesday that several NBA front office executives expect LeBron to sign with the Warriors over the Cavs, citing the proximity to his family in Los Angeles and the on-court fit alongside Steph Curry compared to Cleveland, which has  James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

"I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn’t Golden State or Cleveland," an anonymous Western Conference executive said in the report.