Everything LeBron James Said About Lakers Exit, NBA Free Agency, More at Fanatics Fest Amid Rumors

LeBron James discussed several topics during a live episode of his Mind the Game podcast at Fanatics Fest on Thursday.

James thanked the Los Angeles Lakers for his eight-year tenure with the organization as he prepares to join a new team in free agency.

"Shout out my former team," James said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I spent eight great years with the Los Angeles Lakers … That was an unbelievable ride and I am looking forward to what comes next as I wind down my journey.

"It's going to be fun wherever I land."

The NBA's all-time leading scorer also asked fans for their opinions regarding his next team and heard answers that included the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. The New York Yankees were suggested as well.

Tyrese Haliburton was also part of the podcast and revealed that he attempted to recruit James to the Indiana Pacers this offseason, but received a pair of laughing emojis as a response.

James later expressed his belief that his most underrated quality as a player is his availability.

"Obviously I've had some injuries like everybody throughout the course of their career but if you look as far as my full body of work, I've been pretty much available to my teams that I've played for in my 23 years," James said (0:09 mark).

He also acknowledged the strength of the Eastern Conference heading into the 2026-27 season.

James detailed his decision-making process in free agency as well.

"Obviously it's a big decision," James told a young fan (0:52 mark). "This is the third time in my career that I've been a free agent. It's a big decision for not only myself, but my family as well. Just for the last part of my career and where I want to spent the last few years or the last year or the last two years of my NBA career."

"I'm a natural-born leader," he added. "I'm gonna try to fit in to 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."

James also listed his championship teams in Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles as his favorite squads throughout his career. The 2008 United States Olympics team was brought up too.

Meanwhile, Haliburton joked with James regarding his looming choice for his next team.

James also confirmed that he's using social media posts suggesting that he'll be competing in the 2027 play-in tournament as fuel moving forward.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday that the leading suitors for James were the Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers, Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

There's also a particular focus on Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia for the four-time MVP, per Charania.

The Cavs are coming off a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and boast a core that includes Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

The 76ers have already made a blockbuster move this summer, acquiring Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics. Brown is joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in Philadelphia.

Miami also completed a major swap during the offseason, adding Giannis Antetokounmpo in a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo should immediately form an imposing defensive frontcourt.

As for James, the 41-year-old remained productive during his 2025-26 campaign.

He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from behind the arc last season.