LeBron James was reportedly prepared to make his free agency announcement last week.
Then, NBA commissioner Adam Silver publicly revealed the 41-year-old’s delayed decision is the reason why the league’s schedule hasn’t been finalized. Silver’s comments seemingly played a role in the ongoing saga.
On 92.3 The Fan’s Baskin and Phelps show, Cleveland radio host Andy Baskin revealed what a source shared about James’ free agency decision.
“Here’s what I was told yesterday about the whole LeBron situation. Last week, LeBron’s crew was probably ready to make an announcement, especially because they were in New York,” Baskin said. “The world had their eyes on New York because of the World Cup as well.
“They were probably comfortable making an announcement as early as last week. And then, people were telling them what to do. There’s a little bit of irritation… Irritated was the word I was told, by the commissioner pushing them…so they decided to hold back.”
“Here’s what I was told yesterday by a reliable source. Last week, LeBron’s crew was probably ready to make an announcement. ‘Irritated’ was the word I was told, by the commissioner pushing them…so they decided to hold back.”
🚨 Andy Baskin on the latest with what he was told… pic.twitter.com/xEC5rcIVhr
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 22, 2026
The NBA offseason has been headlined by James, after he informed the Los Angeles Lakers he wouldn’t return for the upcoming season.
The 41-year-old quickly became the top free agent of the summer, and while he informed the Lakers of his departure in June, nobody truly knows where James will land.
That has not stopped continuous speculation about LeBron this summer, but only his camp appears to know the answer to the league’s biggest question heading into the 2026-27 season.
The supposed final four suitors for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer appear to be the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors.
