LeBron James decision timeline rumor sparked by NBA vet

Michael MoraitisMon, July 20, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC·2 min read

Take this for what it’s worth, but former NBA guard Patrick Beverly is hearing that LeBron James‘ decision in free agency could be coming very soon.

As the world continues to wait on James to make a decision about where he’ll play next after the future Hall of Famer notified the Los Angeles Lakers he would not return in 2026, Beverly revealed the rumor that a decision will come down on Monday.

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“Rumor has it Bron makes his decision today,” Beverly wrote on X.

It remains unclear who Beverly’s source is, but time is running out for it to come true. We’re past 2 p.m. ET on the East Coast as of this writing.

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The current free-agent waiting game we’re playing with James is the longest ever.

The previous record came in 2014, when James took 10 days after the start of free agency to announce he was returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In 2010, LeBron waited one week past the start of free agency before he revealed he was going to take his talents to South Beach.

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James’ 2018 free agency bid was the shortest. His new spot was revealed less than 24 hours after the free-agent market opened up.

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This year, NBA free agency began on June 30, so we’re at 20 days and counting at this point.

LeBron waiting game frustrates media personalities

A few prominent media personalities, like CBS Sports’ Jim Rome and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, have ripped James for how long it has taken him to announce his next move.

“The indecision might just be the corniest, lamest thing he’s done since the original decision itself,” Rome said of James.

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“All he wants is run and attention,” Rome added on James. “It’s his oxygen. … It’s the only thing he likes as much as he likes himself.”

“LeBron James should start a new sitcom called the ‘Indecision’ because he can’t make up his damn mind,” Stephen A. said.

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Safe to say, that’s largely the sentiment with NBA fans, especially those hoping James chooses their team.

When it comes to betting odds for James’ next home, the Miami Heat have the lead after trailing the Cavaliers. The Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers round out the top four.