NBA Free Agency Sizzles While LeBron Tells Everyone to Go Grab a Plate

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

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

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

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.