LeBron James Didn’t Announce His Free Agency Decision on Live Podcast (And Tyrese Haliburton’s Recruiting Fail)

Updated July 16, 2026, 2:43 p.m. ET

What Happened?

Imagine you’re watching a live show and hoping for a big surprise. That’s what many basketball fans thought might happen when LeBron James recorded a live podcast in New York.

Here are the quick facts:

• LeBron James did not announce his free agency decision during a live podcast taping in New York.
• Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton co-hosted the podcast and joked about recruiting James to Indiana.
• Haliburton admitted his recruiting efforts ended after James responded to his text with laughing emojis.

The Setup: A Tiny Hope

The announcement that LeBron James would be recording a live episode of his podcast Mind The Game at Fanatics Fest in New York on Thursday made some people think he might finally say where he’s playing next.

The announcement that Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton would fill in for co-host Steve Nash gave fans the tiniest glimmer of hope that maybe — just maybe — James might shock the world and pick Indiana.

What Actually Happened

But, just like we maybe should have guessed from James’ past behavior, neither surprise happened.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin (a reporter live in New York):

• James brushed off Haliburton’s early question about his decision.
• James suggested he hasn’t made a choice yet.
• Haliburton later said he knows James isn’t considering the Pacers and gave up trying to recruit him a while ago.

Important: LeBron James has NOT made his free agency decision yet, and Tyrese Haliburton is no longer trying to recruit him.

Haliburton’s Recruiting Text

Here’s the funny part. According to McMenamin:

1. In June, Haliburton texted James to try to get him to join the Pacers.
2. This was before James announced he’d leave the Lakers for his 24th season.
3. James replied with two laughing-crying emojis.
4. Haliburton said that was the end of his recruiting efforts.

During the Podcast

Haliburton tried again early in the show to ask about James’ destination. James jokingly pretended they hadn’t discussed it, saying: “Didn’t we talk about this already in the back.”

At the end of the episode, McMenamin posted video of Haliburton starting to ask: “Is there a decision yet?” Then Haliburton laughed and said: “I’m playing. No decision.”

James also:

• Thanked the Lakers organization a lot.
• Answered a free agency question from a young fan from New York, again suggesting no choice was made.

James said:

“It’s a big decision. It’s the third time in my career I’ve been a free agent. … It’s a big decision for not only myself but my family as well. It’s the last part of my career, wherever I want to spend the last few years or the last year or the last two years of my NBA career.”

Quick Glossary

• Free agency: When a player’s contract ends and they can choose a new team.
• Pacers: The Indiana Pacers, an NBA basketball team.
• Lakers: The Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron’s current team at the time.

Summary

LeBron James recorded a live podcast in New York with Tyrese Haliburton filling in as co-host. Fans hoped he’d announce his next team, but he didn’t. Haliburton joked about recruiting LeBron to Indiana, but LeBron laughed it off — literally, with emojis — and Haliburton gave up. LeBron says he still hasn’t decided where to play for the rest of his career.

FAQ

1. Did LeBron James say where he’s playing next?
No. He said it’s a big decision and he hasn’t made it yet.

2. Did Tyrese Haliburton really try to recruit LeBron to Indiana?
Yes. He texted LeBron in June, but LeBron replied with laughing emojis and Haliburton stopped trying.

3. Was Steve Nash on the podcast?
No. Tyrese Haliburton filled in for him as co-host.

4. Why was this podcast a big deal?
Because LeBron rarely does live recordings, and fans thought he might announce his free agency choice.