​HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)Heat general manager Pat Riley made it clear that the team is attempting to sign LeBron James in free agency GettyEveryone is asking the same question. Tyrese Haliburton tried mustering up a response to no avail. Thousands of fans, playing off the anticipatory buzz of the air, tried cheering their way to hearing some news.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLeBron James sat in his chair, got comfortable and delighted as he continued to sense everyone’s impatience. On Thursday, James made his first public appearance since informing the Los Angeles Lakers he won’t return to the team next season, which would have been his ninth with the franchise. From there, in the now two-plus weeks it has been, rampant speculation linked James to multiple teams in both conferences. The reported teams in the race for James individually believe in their chances to land James, but, boy, has the wait been exhausting. GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs July 16 got closer, more began hoping that would be the day James would make his hotly-awaited decision. However, top reporters stated they didn’t expect James to make a decision in either of his two appearances Thurday. So, what now? ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania is pumping the breaks once more, saying he doesn’t expect James to choose his next team this week. “I don’t know if I’m holding my breath for an announcement this week, but I think as we get into next week, I do think this process is getting closer and closer to the end here.”  Added Charania on the top contenders for James: “Interestingly enough, LeBron has had multiple diffeent owners/GMs, about 3-5, that have sent voice memos to him via Rich Paul. … When I really dig a little bit more on the situation, the focus is really on the top contending teams for this being the Cavaliers, the Heat and the 76ers.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cavaliers remain in the mix for James. Their lack of roster moves perhaps demonstrates how good they feel about their chances to land the four-time MVP. But whether James is feeling a second homecoming and a third stint with the Cavaliers is something entirely unknown.Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron JamesGettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 16: LeBron James speaks onstage during the mind the game panel at Fanatics