All eyes are on LeBron James after he made the decision to walk away from the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, making his free-agency decision another chapter in a storied NBA career.
Almost a month later, the inevitable Hall of Famer is yet to make a decision, but one former player thinks James will announce his destination sooner rather than later.
Patrick Beverley Believes LeBron James’ Decision is Imminent
James has had a legion of teammates over an uber-successful 23-year NBA career. He played a short 45 games with Patrick Beverley in the 2022-23 campaign before the Lakers moved Beverley to the Orlando Magic near the 2023 NBA trade deadline.
Even though James spent roughly half a season with Beverley, the No. 42 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft claims to have strong connections in the 41-year-old’s camp.
Beverley went on social media to give the NBA world a big update on James’ destination next season.
“Rumor has it [LeBron James] makes his decision today!!! 👀,” posted the 12-year NBA veteran.
Rumor has it Bron makes his decision today!!! 👀
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) July 20, 2026
This matches Charania’s update from last week. The insider appeared on NBA Today on July 13 and reported that James was close to a decision.
“Every day, LeBron James inches closer and closer to a decision. It’s decision time for LeBron James because all of the information, for the most part, is in,” Charania reported.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors have consistently been at the top of James’ list. James brought championships to Cleveland and Miami earlier in his career, and he has always wanted to team up with fellow legend Stephen Curry.
However, two more teams entered the mix after making big moves this summer.
The Philadelphia 76ers brought in Jaylen Brown in exchange for Paul George. Brown joins Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid to form one of the strongest starting quartets in the league. James would instantly elevate this team to another level as a championship contender.
The Minnesota Timberwolves also made big-time moves this summer. They traded Naz Reid and Julius Randle in two separate deals and acquired LaMelo Ball.
Anthony Edwards and Ball are expected to form an electric backcourt duo that is sure to churn out highlights on the regular. James would bring championship experience and leadership to the squad, while taking playmaking and ball-handling pressure off Ball and Edwards.
James Can Still Deliver All-Star Production Next Season
James only played 60 games last season because he missed the first few weeks of the campaign nursing a sciatica issue. Some people speculated this nagging injury could derail his season and cut his career short. However, this was not the case by a country mile, as he earned his 22nd All-Star selection.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 33.2 minutes per contest in 2025-26. If he even comes close to this production in his 24th NBA season, his next team will likely improve immediately.
