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

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.

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)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James reacts while holding the Larry O’Brien trophy after defeating the Gold State Warriors to win the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.
Powered by an amazing effort from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, dethroning defending champion Golden State 93-89 to capture their first NBA title. The Cavaliers won the best-of-seven series 4-3 to claim the first league crown in their 46-season history and deliver the first major sports champion to Cleveland since the 1964 NFL Browns, ending the longest such title drought for any American city.
/ AFP / Beck Diefenbach (Photo credit should read BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP, AFP via Getty Images)

Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.

(Marc Serota, Getty Images)

MIAMI, FL – JUNE 21: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Finals Championship trophy after they won 121-106 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Five of the 2012 NBA Finals on June 21, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images)

LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.

(Alex Trautwig, Getty Images)

LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.

(Mitchell Leff, Getty Images)

LeBron James cries before the Men’s Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.

(MARK RALSTON, AFP via Getty Images)

LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

(Streeter Lecka, Getty Images)

LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.

(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)

LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.

(Ron Jenkins, Getty Images)

LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.

(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)

LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.

(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.

(Harry How, Getty Images)

LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.

(Marc Serota, Getty Images)

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)

LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)

LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.

(MARK RALSTON, AFP via Getty Images)

LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.

(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.

(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.

(Ronald Martinez, 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.

“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.

“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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