Mar 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after scoring a three point basket and recording 50,000 career NBA points against the against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Grilling burgers and bratwurst was already high on my Independence Day agenda—then LeBron James gave it his royal stamp of approval.
“Go get a plate of food somewhere and enjoy the 4th of July!” James posted on X in response to growing speculation over his recent appearance at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ practice facility, a move that raised eyebrows about a possible homecoming.
“Y’all bored man!” James added.
Clearly, some folks weren’t paying attention to the rest of an intriguing first week of NBA free agency.
Although James remains firmly in the spotlight after exercising his $52.6 million player option to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers (more on that below), several developments across the league offered plenty to chew on.
Let’s dig in.
1. The Indiana Pacers Absorbed Another Blow
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after suffering an injury during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Here’s hoping Pacers fans didn’t overdo it at the holiday barbecue.
How many gut punches can one franchise take?
Already reeling from Tyrese Haliburton’s right Achilles tendon tear in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the Pacers lost another key piece as starting center Myles Turner signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the division rival Milwaukee Bucks.
Reports indicate Indiana lowballed Turner in a bid to dodge the luxury tax—a decision that drew sharp criticism from analysts.
Haliburton’s health remains the top concern, but had the Pacers retained Turner, they might have stayed relevant in what appears to be an increasingly wide-open Eastern Conference. Now? They’ll need a blockbuster trade to get back in the conversation.
2. Beware the Hawks
May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Last season’s trip to play-in purgatory wasn’t good enough for Atlanta, and the Hawks seem determined to retool.
Atlanta landed Nickeil Alexander-Walker—a major contributor to Minnesota’s Western Conference Finals run—in a sign-and-trade. The versatile wing is a two-way force with range and energy.
To offset the loss of Caris LeVert to Detroit, the Hawks quickly added Luke Kennard, one of the NBA’s most accurate deep threats (43.8% career from three).
And don’t forget the earlier trade that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta. Add it all up, and the Hawks are one of the East’s most intriguing turnaround candidates.
3. As LeBron’s World Turns
Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound in front of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images LeBron opting in to his $52.6 million player option doesn’t necessarily mean he’s staying in Los Angeles.
James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN the Lakers remain part of LeBron’s story—but didn’t shut the door on a possible trade.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all… He wants to make every season he has left count.”
So what happens if the Lakers don’t make another big splash beyond adding Deandre Ayton? What if their first full season with Luka Dončić gets off to a slow start?
It’s LeBron. The story’s never really over.
