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The sports world awaits LeBron James’ decision on where he will sign during the NBA offseason.
If the rumor mill is correct, James is deciding between the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. He spent the last eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing the team a championship during the coronavirus pandemic-stricken season.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James catches a pass as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defends in the first half of Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoff series May 9, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
Iman Shumpert, one of James’ teammates with the Cavaliers, gave his take on where he should sign.
“If this is about a ring, go to Philly,” he said on the “Shump Street” podcast. “If this is about selling tickets to Miami. If this is about finishing your career the way it should be, go to Cleveland. Just don’t go to Cleveland to try to be happy about a win because you’re not going to win there. You’re not going to be happy. This is about the return trip. This is not about winning. Don’t you dare go over there and think the winners are rolling.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James stands on the court in the closing minutes of Game 4 of a second-round NBA playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 11, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
“I don’t know what happens to them during the playoffs, don’t do it. I’ve been on a team with LeBron when he was frustrated and he felt like he got too much going. He’s gonna start sending s— out of there, man. LeBron works for UPS, I tell you.”
It is unclear when James will make his decision. It’s also unclear what James is really looking for in a team and how long he’ll play for that organization.
He has proven that he can still play at a high level. But he’ll be 42 at the end of the year, and the longevity he’s used to having on the field could diminish at any time.
LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Tanner Pearson/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
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Last season, James gave the Lakers 60 games. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. He ended up leaving Los Angeles in the offseason.
