LeBron James made his first public appearance since leaving the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, but he stayed coy about where he will play next.
James had been with the Lakers since 2018 and won the 2020 NBA Finals with the team before deciding to move on in an attempt to play for one last title. He appeared at Fanatics Fest in New York City on a panel for CNBC Sports and Boardroom titled 'Game Plan.'
James told the audience and NBA fans he 'won't hold you guys up too much longer' when it comes to choosing his next team.
James then hosted a live episode of his 'Mind the Game' podcast alongside co-host Tyrese Haliburton. A packed audience clamored for him to 'pick a team,' and James replied, 'It's going to be fun wherever I land.'
An 11-year-old's question
An 11-year-old fan asked James about his free agency and developing his next team. James called it 'a hell of a question' before answering.
'It's a big decision for not only myself, but for my family as well,' James said. 'Just for the last part of my career and where I want to spend the last few years or the last year or the last two years of my NBA career.'
James added, 'I'm going to try to fit into whatever team I'm going into, but also give them all the tools and give them all the knowledge that I've been able to grasp over the last 23 years. I know the game. I know the ins and outs of the game of basketball.'
Teams in the mix
James referenced several teams he has been connected with, including Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia and Golden State, but did not hint at a preferred destination. His agent, Rich Paul, had highlighted those same spots as possible destinations during a podcast appearance nearly two weeks ago.
Wherever James lands, it will likely be the last team of his career as he approaches his 24th season. He is the longest tenured player in league history and its current oldest active player. The move is an attempt to win a fifth NBA title.
