The NBA world is waiting on LeBron James’ next career move. For some teams, his decision weighs more heavily than for others.
Nearly everyone with a voice has chimed in on the four-time MVP’s possible next destination, either applying their basketball knowledge to determine the best fit or simply trying to sway his opinion in the hopes he’ll join their team.
In the end, none of those outside opinions may matter. Instead, one of James’ own, his daughter Zhuri, could play a bigger role in what’s expected to be his final chapter as an NBA player.
LeBron James’ Decision Coming Soon, Zhuri Plays Heavy Role
James may have grown up in Akron, Ohio, but he’s since made California his second home. After spending the past eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the state has become part of his family’s roots, which naturally includes Zhuri, too.
On Thursday, ESPN’s NBA insider Dave McMenamin revealed that James not only is inching closer to making a decision, but also that his daughter’s feelings on his next landing spot will play an important role.
“When it comes to his family, James said he has certainly been weighing the thoughts of his soon-to-be 12-year-old daughter Zhuri,” McMenamin reported.
“He made sure to tell her before he was leaving the Lakers, so she heard it from him first. And he told her that her feelings about the decision will mean a lot to him. I’m told that James is nearing that decision, and folks around the league are hoping it comes as early as next week.”
Dave McMenamin on when Lebron could decide his next team:
“When it comes to his family James said he has certainly weighing the thoughts of his soon to be 12 year old daughter Zhuri. He made sure to tell her before he was leaving the Lakers so she heard it from him first. And he… pic.twitter.com/DoUECN2WOx
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 17, 2026
It’s possible that having someone close like Zhuri tugging on James’ heartstrings will lead him to sign with the Golden State Warriors. That scenario would allow the 41-year-old to continue playing basketball in California, likely disrupting Zhuri’s home life the least.
Or maybe another destination, like back in Ohio where Zhuri was born, will be the deciding factor here. Of course, there’s always the chance for a wildcard location such as Miami, Minnesota, or Philadelphia to be an attractive option, too. Each has its own locational perks to offer.
Either way, it appears we’ll finally be getting an answer in the near future, possibly even as soon as next week, according to McMenamin.
