LeBron James free agency

Katz argues that purely from a basketball standpoint, Philadelphia was LeBron's best option.

“In terms of just basketball, it was the best choice. If you say that it was between Cleveland, Golden State, Miami”

Pardon My Take: Patrick Kane In Studio, LeBron James To Philadelphia, Who’s Back + Mt Rushmore Of Things You Eat With A Spoon (Jul 27, 2026) · Listen from 4:03

Katz predicted that LeBron James would be caught golfing while injured, prompting questions about his love for the game.

“Wherever he goes and plays, he's going to have an injury, and then he's going to be caught golfing with that injury”

Pardon My Take: The 2026 Takie Awards Featuring Celebrity Guest Presenters, Blake Griffin, Blake Bortles, Brooks Koepka And More (Jul 24, 2026) · Listen from 2:17:01

Katz argues Philadelphia gives LeBron the best title chance but predicts he will not go there.

“Philly is the best chance to win a title this year. He's not going to Philly”

Pardon My Take: Jimmy Tatro, Open Champion Winner Ryan Fox, LeBron Will Never Make A Decision, Mt Rushmore Of Non Edible Things That Look Delicious + FAQ’s (Jul 22, 2026) · Listen from 7:31

Dan Katz argues that LeBron James returning to Cleveland would be a fitting end to his career.

“To finish it where he started it, close to Akron, everything that is involved in that, I think would be very cool”

Pardon My Take: Lebron James Is A Free Agent Again, World Cup Must Win For USMNT, John Smoltz Talking Baseball Plus Our Dingers Only Fantasy Draft (Jul 1, 2026) · Listen from 5:16

PFT Commenter argued that LeBron James's delay in announcing his decision made a return to Cleveland less likely.

“Every day that goes by without an announcement makes me less inclined to think that it's Cleveland”

Pardon My Take: The 2026 Takie Awards Featuring Celebrity Guest Presenters, Blake Griffin, Blake Bortles, Brooks Koepka And More (Jul 24, 2026) · Listen from 17:04

PFT Commenter says that given the long delay he now hopes LeBron's decision stays secret until opening night.

“Now it's been such a long delay for LeBron. I hope it's secret until opening night”

Pardon My Take: Jimmy Tatro, Open Champion Winner Ryan Fox, LeBron Will Never Make A Decision, Mt Rushmore Of Non Edible Things That Look Delicious + FAQ’s (Jul 22, 2026) · Listen from 4:04

PFT Commenter predicted LeBron James would sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Okay. I think he's going to the Sixers. Congrats to Max and the Philadelphia 76ers”

Pardon My Take: Titans HC Robert Saleh, Spain Wins The World Cup, Ryan Fox Wins The Open And Bryson Melts Down + Mt Rushmore Of Animals You Want To Get Drunk With (Jul 20, 2026) · Listen from 38:26

PFT Commenter argues that LeBron joining Golden State would be as objectionable as Kevin Durant's move there.

“that's such bullshit by the way like if we got mad at kevin durant for going to golden state this would be pathetic”

Pardon My Take: Lebron James Is A Free Agent Again, World Cup Must Win For USMNT, John Smoltz Talking Baseball Plus Our Dingers Only Fantasy Draft (Jul 1, 2026) · Listen from 4:49

Windhorst posits that LeBron James has been on the record more than anyone in modern American history.

“I believe that LeBron James has given more interviews and has been on the record for more hours than anyone in modern American history”

Pardon My Take: NBA Free Agency With Brian Windhorst, World Cup, Balogun's Red Card Suspended And People Are Big Mad At The US, Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce Wedding + Mt Rushmore Of Weapons (Jul 6, 2026) · Listen from 2:08:02

Windhorst says league chatter about LeBron returning to Cleveland is based on vibes rather than knowledge.

“I don't think people are talking with knowledge. I think people are talking about vibes”

Pardon My Take: NBA Free Agency With Brian Windhorst, World Cup, Balogun's Red Card Suspended And People Are Big Mad At The US, Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce Wedding + Mt Rushmore Of Weapons (Jul 6, 2026) · Listen from 2:04:33

Windhorst believes LeBron is seriously considering only a few teams despite Rich Paul's long list.

“There's no chance LeBron's considering 10 teams. He's probably considering two and a half”

Pardon My Take: NBA Free Agency With Brian Windhorst, World Cup, Balogun's Red Card Suspended And People Are Big Mad At The US, Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce Wedding + Mt Rushmore Of Weapons (Jul 6, 2026) · Listen from 1:52:26

Lowe argues the Philadelphia move fits LeBron's history of unconventional career decisions.

“he has not adhered to any sort of traditional superstar career track”

The Bill Simmons Podcast: LeBron’s Philly Shocker! Plus, the 2011 NBA Redraftables With Zach Lowe. (Jul 24, 2026) · Listen from 34:22

Lowe says he had expected LeBron James to choose a familiar destination such as Cleveland, Miami or Golden State.

“I just always thought momentum would push him towards a familiar destination, whether it was Cleveland, Miami, or his friends in golden state”

The Bill Simmons Podcast: LeBron’s Philly Shocker! Plus, the 2011 NBA Redraftables With Zach Lowe. (Jul 24, 2026) · Listen from 2:01

Delente cites a report that Embiid met with LeBron for two hours to convince him of his health, a factor in LeBron's choice.

“He had a two-hour meeting with LeBron a month ago about him coming to Philadelphia and how his health”

Pardon My Take: Patrick Kane In Studio, LeBron James To Philadelphia, Who’s Back + Mt Rushmore Of Things You Eat With A Spoon (Jul 27, 2026) · Listen from 39:42

House said Golden State would be LeBron's best choice if picking a team purely for golf.

“Golden State. It's an all-time no-brainer. The proximity to the Monterey Peninsula and Cypress Point”

The Bill Simmons Podcast: Kawhi in Flux, Embiid’s Next Team, Jaylen vs. Advanced Numbers, and a Mini-Mailbag With Joe House (Jul 9, 2026) · Listen from 1:07:27

Simmons contends San Antonio would have beaten the Knicks in the Finals had LeBron James been on the team.

“If he had been in that Knicks series, I think they would have won”

The Bill Simmons Podcast: A Crazy NBA Month With Zach Lowe, Plus Taylor Sheridan on Building a TV Empire and the Problems With Hollywood (Jun 29, 2026) · Listen from 1:19:23