LeBron James confirmed Thursday that his time with the Los Angeles Lakers is over, but he refused to confirm where he is going next.
The NBA star spoke about his future at Fanatics Fest NYC during a live taping of the Mind the Game podcast.
“I spent eight great years with the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most historical franchises in the world,” James told the crowd, before thanking owner Jeanie Buss, the Buss family and general manager Rob Pelinka.
“I’m gonna miss them all, obviously,” James said. “So that was an unbelievable ride, and I’m just looking forward to what holds next as I wind down the final stages of my journey.”
Lebron James on his next destination:
— bands (@bandsinthepaint) July 16, 2026
“That’s a great question… I’m taking my (talents) to Philadelphia.”
Wow.
Per: @blowjobunion pic.twitter.com/WMVJXbaSQc
James is now a free agent, and Cleveland and Miami have both been mentioned as possible destinations for him, while public figures including Rick Ross have encouraged him to return to South Florida. There have also been some indications that he could be heading to Philly.
“If you’re a ride-or-die LeBron fan, if you’ve been down with me since day one, I hope you ride with me there,” he went on. “If you’re a ride-or-die LeBron hater, that’s what you do anyway, so I’m looking forward to seeing you as well.”
BREAKING: Photo surfacing appears to show LeBron James enrolled his child in a school in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/4PigSSJ6ar
— Full Time Sports (@FullTimeSprts) July 16, 2026