(Via @offsportsplace<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/mmjzK1JsE5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Gilbert Arenas tends to exaggerate some, but this isn’t hyperbole. The Heat believe they have the best package of fit and culture for James, who is obviously well aware of how Miami rolls and what awaits if he returns to try to win one for the thumb in South Florida.<\/p>\n 2. Decision is so close it may be announced as you read this<\/p>\n LeBron James Has Essentially Made Up His Mind On Where He Wants To Play Next. Per, @mcten<\/a> <\/p>\n \u201cIf he\u2019s not 100% where he\u2019s going yet, he\u2019s gotta be darn close to 99%.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/oXDnmw5jj6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n ESPN’s Dave McMenamin has been a reliable source for years since James ventured out to the west coast and is plugged in. The choice has already been made. All that’s left is to announce it. <\/p>\n 3. Cleveland continues to call LeBron home<\/p>\n James Harden on a big 3 of him, Donovan Mitchell and LeBron James<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the goal, that\u2019s the plan.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/NFxQ1AJk7b<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n James Harden has made no secret he’d love to play with Bron, but he’s being a little generous including himelf in this “Big Three.” Evan Mobley will be the second-most important player in Cleveland behind Donovan Mitchell whether James returns to the Land or not.<\/p>\n 4. James would’ve been a Knicks in a New York minute…<\/p>\n Jalen Brunson asked if he\u2019s tried to recruit LeBron to the Knicks:<\/p>\n \u201cMy job is to put the ball in the hoop. Try and play a little defense. There\u2019s people who are above me who determine who\u2019s on the team and who\u2019s not. I\u2019ll leave the pitching to them\u201d<\/p>\n (Via @NightcapShow_<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/JUQ7ayziAW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n However, the Knicks messed up his intentions by ending a championship drought this past June that dated back to 1973. There’s now way LeBron is going to put himself in a position to catch blame for messing up a repeat bid. Brunson knows this and isn’t getting involved, stating publicly the decision would come from over his head.<\/p>\n 5. 76ers in the hunt if James wants one last fresh start<\/p>\n 76ers owner Josh Harris had a brief, friendly conversation with LeBron James yesterday at a VIP event at Fanatics Fest in New York, per @JClarkNBCS<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/uYrYkIFR0N<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Tyrese Maxey hasn’t said much publicly, but it’s because he hasn’t had to. He’s got a direct in to LeBron and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, his agent. The 76ers have to feel they’ve got a shot at landing James if he decides he wants to close his career in the East playing in a new locale.<\/p>\n 6. Wolves aren’t howling about their chances<\/p>\n Anthony Edwards was asked about his thoughts on Minnesota being on that short list of teams that LeBron is interested in:<\/p>\n \u201cI have nothing to say about it because I\u2019ve seen his top 3 teams, we\u2019re not in it so\u2026\u201d \ud83d\ude0f pic.twitter.com\/cCq5eVzuHP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Anthony Edwards isn’t even entertaining the thought of being hopeful at this point. Unless it’s the Golden State Warriors, he’s aware James is headed back east.<\/p>\n 7. Wizards would be ultimate longshot, but AJ has heart<\/p>\n AJ Dybantsa’s pitch to LeBron to join the Wizards:<\/p>\n “Talk to AD” \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/ur3nfsJpaj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) July 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n No, even with Anthony Davis in place talking about playing all 82 games and Trae Young locked in to lead a rebirth, LeBron isn’t going to close his career out in D.C. Still, you have to admire Dybantsa’s fighting spirit. He’s looking to excel immediately.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
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