James refuses to disclose his destination! Declares his leadership essence remains unchanged wherever he goes: Might play more than just one more year

On July 17, Beijing time, LeBron James had earlier notified the Los Angeles Lakers that he would decline his player option and become a free agent. Today, he appeared for the first time in public after the official departure announcement, recording a podcast at the Vandus Carnival fashion sports event, but he did not disclose his new team during the event.

The live recording of the "Mind the Game" podcast featured Tyrese Haliburton as a special guest co-host, with approximately 5,000 audience members trying to extract an answer from James.

The show took place on the stage of the Javits Center. Shortly after the broadcast began, Haliburton asked, "Have you not made a final decision yet?"

James did not give in.

"Rex (Haliburton's nickname), we actually talked about this backstage," James responded, and he reiterated that he would not announce his next team on the show.

"Well, I was being too forward," Haliburton replied. "I didn't know if you were willing to talk about it... Okay, I won't ask anymore."

However, later that day at the CNBC and Boardroom event planning summit, James hinted that fans would not have to wait long for the result. "I won't keep everyone waiting too long," he said.

More than two weeks ago, James's agent, Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports Group, informed the Lakers that James would leave. Since then, the 41-year-old superstar has received recruitment offers from multiple teams and many players.

Haliburton was one of those recruiters. He led the Indiana Pacers to the 2025 NBA Finals but suffered an Achilles tendon tear in Game 7 and spent the entire last season recovering.

Haliburton recalled, "About a month ago, when LeBron hadn't yet decided to leave the Lakers, I texted him: 'Hey, if you want to come to Indiana, we could do something big.'"

"He only replied with two crying-laughing emojis, nothing more. After that, I decided not to recruit him anymore during free agency. I don't know if he'll end up choosing the Pacers."

ESPN cited sources reporting that multiple teams are still actively pursuing James, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors.

James has always been adept at energizing the crowd. Facing the highly anticipated atmosphere, he took the opportunity to joke around. The Javits Center was packed with spectators, which was enough to show that the entire sports world is closely watching his next move.

He first addressed a recent comment by Chris Brockman, a regular guest and senior producer of "The Rich Eisen Show." Brockman believed that the outside world is overly focused on an aging James, and that he is no longer a key figure who can influence an NBA team's fortunes.

"A few days ago, I saw a statement on social media saying that even if I join a new team, the team would probably only make the play-in tournament or something, and that I no longer have an impact," James said. "I've heard that kind of talk... and it actually motivates me."

Then, fans in the audience began shouting the names of their favorite teams, inviting James to join.

One fan yelled loudly, "Warriors!" prompting others to call out the teams they support.

"Where did that voice come from? I heard Warriors... and Philadelphia, Miami," James responded. "Someone just shouted for me to go to the Yankees."

An 11-year-old boy named Eli from Queens stepped up to the front and asked James about free agency. In response, James fully explained his considerations when making a decision.

"That's a great question. A lot of media reporters in the audience should learn from this kid," James said to the boy. "How do I view free agency? Obviously, it's a major decision. This is the fourth time in my career I've become a free agent. It's not just about me; it's also about my family. I have to decide where to play in the final years of my career...No matter where I end up, my innate leadership qualities will not change. I will try to fit into the new team and share all the experience and insights I've gained over the past 23 years with my teammates. I know the game; I understand the ins and outs of basketball."

Later, at the event planning summit, host Rich Kleiman spoke with him, and James further discussed the importance of his family in his decision.

"My eldest son is almost 22 and was once my teammate—it's kind of amazing," James said, referring to Lakers guard Bronny. "My younger son Bryce is 19 and is studying at the University of Arizona. And my daughter is almost 12; basketball often keeps me from being with her."

James recounted a conversation with his daughter Zhuri before finalizing his free agency plans.

"I pulled her aside and said, 'Baby, I want to tell you this myself, not have you hear it from someone else. Next year, I'm not going to play for the Lakers anymore; I'll be going to another team,'" James recalled. "I won't be home often. You don't have to give me an answer right away. You can tell me now or write it down and think about it. I just want to know how you feel. You are incredibly important to me, and I care deeply about being apart from you. So my family's thoughts are a very important part of my decision."

Besides showing off his newly dyed beard, James also revealed that he not only plans to play a record-breaking 24th season with his new team, but might even play a 25th season, and aside from that, he didn't give many clues about his future destination. At the same time, he spoke in full for the first time about his former team, the Lakers.

"Respect to my former team. I've had eight wonderful years with the Los Angeles Lakers," James said. "The Lakers are one of the most legendary teams in the world. Thank you to Jeanie Buss, the entire Buss family, Rob Pelinka, everyone. Thank you to every coach who coached me and every teammate who played alongside me. There's no doubt I'll miss everyone. This journey has been unforgettable, and now I look forward to the next chapter as my career winds down."

As James spoke about the Lakers, his former coach and co-host of "Mind the Game," JJ Redick, was sitting in the front row of the stage. Redick attended the Vandus Carnival with his two sons, Kai and Knox, who collect sports memorabilia.

James said, "No matter which team I land with in the fall, if you have supported me from the start, I hope you'll continue to follow me to my new team. If you've never been a fan of mine, then suit yourself—I still look forward to seeing you. It's going to be very interesting. Regardless of which team gets me, I'll continue to do what I do best."