LeBron James could be “slow-playing his decision” to announce his new team, according to NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor on Wednesday. O’Connor wrote that the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar could be waiting to see if the teams interested in signing him could get Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis.
On Thursday, NBA insider Shams Charania gave his latest intel on the four-time MVP after rumors ramped up that he is looking to team up with either one of his former teammates.
Shams Charania Shares Major LeBron James Update Amid Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving Buzz
James was reportedly ready to make a decision early last week about where he would play next. Just as anticipation went to a fever pitch, the 41-year-old told fans at the Fanatics Fest in New York that he wasn’t ready yet to commit to a new team.
By prolonging the inevitable, some are speculating that James could still be waiting for interested teams to make a major trade to entice him to sign.
Charania, on the “Pat McAfee Show,” told the host what he has gathered about those rumors.
“There’s nothing left. … LeBron has everything he needs to make a decision. The conversations have happened. From my understanding, my sources tell me LeBron James, his agent Rich Paul, that inner circle, they’re not waiting for another domino (to fall) right now. They’re not waiting for Anthony Davis to get traded anywhere, not waiting for anyone else to move around,” Charania said.
“My sources tell me that LeBron James isn’t waiting for another domino right now..
They’re not waiting for anybody else to move around” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive https://t.co/Fk9DZW0ZAT pic.twitter.com/wqY3WNxutQ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 23, 2026
The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are the favorites to win the James sweepstakes. However, trading Irving or Davis seems to be out of their reach.
About two weeks ago, the Dallas Hoops Journal reported that the Dallas Mavericks “have informed inquiring teams that they have no intention of moving the All-Star point guard.”
At the start of free agency roughly three weeks ago, NBA insider Marc J. Spears tweeted that the Washington Wizards also have no interest in listening to trade offers for Davis.
Charania added that James is set in playing for the veteran’s minimum, so a team doesn’t have to gut the roster to acquire a major star such as Irving and Davis.
What Charania said is in line with what James’ agent, Rich Paul, shared on the “Game Over” podcast on Monday. Paul emphasized that the delay has nothing to do with getting “attention” or to prompt teams to make significant changes. The Klutch Sports Group founder added that his client only wants to weigh every possible option.
James said last week that he wouldn’t hold up free agency for long, but until he makes an announcement, speculation about the delay will likely continue.
