It’s been a couple of weeks now since it was confirmed that LeBron James wasn’t going to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. After eight seasons, James left the franchise with a somewhat bitter taste in his mouth, despite bring an NBA Championship to Los Angeles back in 2020.

Now, James must reinvent himself in a new destination. Rumors of a return to former teams have run rampant, as have ones linking him to an epic union with Stephen Curry. For now, no one has any idea what’s going to happen. But we might finally know when it will happen.

LeBron James expected to make decision next week, with Eastern Conference team likely

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin delivered an information-filled report at Fanatics Fest on Friday, revealing that James’ decision could finally be made by early next week.

Multiple sources familiar with his thinking told me in the last 24 hours that he is truly getting much closer to a decision. Everyone is just hoping it comes as early as next week, possibly in the early part of next week. We’re getting closer, and obviously all five teams have all made pitches to Rich Paul, and all of them have players that have made personal appeals to LeBron… It seems like an Eastern Conference team will win the LeBron James sweepstakes. 

The five teams are the same ones that have been linked to James for a while now: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves. By McMenamin’s account, the decision will come down to either the Heat, Cavs or Sixers. But he made sure to note that no team has been completely eliminated as of yet.

While it sounds like a decision could come within a few days, there’s still no firm feeling on where exactly James will end up. Even though he regrets making “The Decision” back in the day, the drama continues even to this day.