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Why 2026-27 NBA schedule is in limbo until LeBron James picks new team

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The question of where LeBron James will play next has lingered for about three weeks after he told the Los Angeles Lakers that he’d opt for a new team in free agency.

The news sent the basketball world into a frenzy. As teams and players are all making their pitch to James in hopes that he’d join their team, there are some that are wishing he’d wrap this process up.

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Most notably, NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Silver spoke at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit in New York and addressed James’ decision-making process in an interview with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin. He expressed his desire for James to make a selection so that the league can continue with its business ahead of the 2026-27 season.

“I guess all politics are local. The way I think about it is, we have to finish up the schedule,” Silver said. ” And where LeBron plays will affect the schedule. So I would like him to make his announcement already, so we can finish the schedule, because, as you might imagine, the teams are calling us, the networks are calling us, and everybody wants to lock in the schedule. But it will influence how we set the schedule, how we set opening week, Christmas Day, etc. So I need him to make a decision.”

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The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James

Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men’s basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.

(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Silver: ‘No inside information’ on James’ destination

When it comes to predicting James’ next destination, Silver’s guess is as good as ours.

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“The direct answer is, I have no inside information,” Silver said at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit. ” I have my own inkling, but it’s not based — it’s not based on anything that LeBron or Rich have told me. I’m not going to share it with you, but I’m just saying, it’s not, it’s, I don’t know.”

Silver is a fan of the game. He’s not rooting for James to join one team over another, but rather the best storyline leading into next season and to end his career.

“There’s certain stories that I prefer over others, and even on his behalf. But he’s going to be 42 this fall. It’s amazing what he’s done for the sport, for the league, and he deserves exactly what — the opportunities that were presented to him to be able to make his own decision on what’s best for him and his family. So I completely respect that. But, as I said, I think on behalf of the league, I think there are certain storylines that may be better than others, but I don’t want to prejudge it. Let’s see what he does.”

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Silver likes LeBron James with Cavaliers or Warriors

Silver doesn’t happen to have any details on James’ decision but that’s not stopping him imagining different storylines and gauging which would be best, or coolest. He’s a fan, too.

Sorkin threw two potential scenarios that James could lean towards: Cleveland and Golden State.

“Let’s admit that’s a great storyline,” Silver said about James potentially going back home to play for the Cavaliers.

When Sorkin asked if Silver liked that storyline, he responded, “among others, yes.”

One of those other storylines would be James teaming up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State, helping the Warriors pursue another championship ring.

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“Well, the only part about it is, and, honestly, I mean, he played for Steve Kerr for the Olympic team. He’s close to Draymond. Playing with Steph is wonderful. I don’t think LeBron at this point in his career – and I think he presumably would say the same thing – he doesn’t have to chase a ring. So I don’t think … it would be different,” Silver said. “I mean, LeBron’s career is complete. I think, on his behalf, whatever that storyline is, I think he should go somewhere he’s going to – there’s going to be true joy around the game.”

He added: “And I think, again, for LeBron, at this point of his career, I think what we want the fans to see, too, is like the genuine joy that they have. And I think, for somebody like LeBron, I mean, he’s – he’s not coming back for the money. And that’s why that, to your point, the latter part of your storyline in terms of the ring, I’m sure he would love to win another championship. But I think, most importantly, I think I would love, and fans would like him to see, where he’s playing with a group of players and for a coach that he really wants to be around, and he’s going to – and the community’s going to get great joy from it, and he’s going to get great joy from it.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Why 2026-27 NBA schedule is in limbo until LeBron James picks new team

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