Two weeks into the Philadelphia 76ers’ race for LeBron James, it seems the final decision is nearing.
On Monday, July 13, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that Rich Paul heard every team’s pitch and relayed the information back to the 41-year-old star forward.
It’s only a matter of time before the Sixers find out where they truly stand in the sweepstakes. While the news could break with the four-time MVP’s decision any moment now, it’s hard not to look at a specific day on the calendar and assume that’s when decision day could be here.
A LeBron James public appearance will take place this week
Fanatics Fest 2026 is a yearly event, which gives some of the biggest athletes in pro sports a chance to interact in convention form.
It was announced months ago that LeBron James will tape a live podcast of his show, ‘Mind The Game’ with Indiana Pacers star, Tyrese Haliburton.
According to a May 21 report from NBA.com, James will “likely” discuss free agency, the state of the NBA, and his own future on July 16.
At the time of the announcement, James’ future was even more unclear than it is now.
When he addressed reporters following a season-ending loss for the Los Angeles Lakers, the assumption was that he would either retire or return to the Los Angeles Lakers for another year. Pulling off a move to join the Cleveland Cavaliers wasn’t ruled out, but it was deemed unlikely.
Fast forward to July 14, LeBron had informed the Lakers that he’s out, the Cavaliers are very much a possible landing spot for him, and the Sixers are among at least five teams gaining serious consideration from James.
If the next two days go by without a LeBron decision, brace for a possible announcement on Thursday.
How to prepare for LeBron’s next decision
Like Joel Embiid always says, don’t get too high, don’t get too low.
As exciting as it would be to add one of the greatest players the game has seen after he posted averages of 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds with an All-Star appearance in 2025-2026, the Sixers still have a strong core without James entering their starting five as the power forward.
The team made its blockbuster trade, landing the MVP-caliber Jaylen Brown in surprising fashion. Anything beyond that is a bonus. If the star forward goes in a different direction, the Sixers will have an open roster spot to add a different veteran at a minimum cost.
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