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LeBron James made it clear last month that retirement was not yet in his plans. The four-time NBA MVP said he plans to keep playing in 2026-27, but not with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sixteen years ago, James placed his free agency at the center of a nationally televised spectacle. “The Decision,” a special tied to his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, ended with James revealing he would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.
James left Miami in 2014 to return to his home state of Ohio, where he ultimately delivered the Cavaliers their first NBA title in 2016. He changed teams again in 2018, joining the Lakers.
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A view of LeBron James speaking onstage during The Shop Live panel at Fanatics Fest at Jacob Javits Center in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)
More recently, speculation has surfaced that James could be eyeing another return, this time to South Florida. Miami only fueled that talk earlier this week when it shared a since-deleted social media post linking to what was billed as the “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference.”
A Heat team spokesperson later told ESPN the purported livestream event was not legitimate.
“I haven’t read anything about, I haven’t spoken to (anyone about it). But my guess would be where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said in about the link in question.
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Schefter’s comments aligned with the growing speculation that James could land in Miami alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo next season.
Broadcaster Adam Schefter of ESPN’s Monday Night Football Countdown is seen on the sideline prior to the NFL International Series game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 21, 2022. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
“Had a text that said just be ready for LeBron to go to Miami. I can read you the exact text,” Schefter continued during a recent appearance on Philadelphia’s 97.5 The Fanatic. “‘I’m hearing Bron is coming to the Miami Heat, just want to give you a heads up. You may want to check it out.’”
Schefter pointed to a tip he said he received on June 30, when reports first surfaced that James would consider playing his 24th NBA season away from the Lakers.
In 2010, James decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and sign with the Miami Heat. “The Decision” received backlash from Cavaliers fans and LeBron James’ detractors. During his stint in Miami, LeBron James won two NBA Finals. He left the Miami Heat in 2014 to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. James claimed he went back to Cleveland to raise his children in his hometown. Fans speculate he returned to bring a title to the team that drafted him. (Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Estabrook Group)
The Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers have also been linked to James.
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James remained productive last season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games. He remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
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