Latest on LeBron James: Cavs, Pacers, Kevin Durant, Fanatics Fest

The waiting may finally be nearing an end. Or something like that.

LeBron James still hasn’t revealed where he’ll play next season, but after weeks of rumors, recruiting pitches and nonstop speculation, Thursday’s Fanatics Fest appearance in New York has become the latest date circled around the NBA.

Whether James actually announces anything … well, hard to say.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the latest.

Cavs still viewed as favorites

James is from Akron. The Cavaliers play in nearby Cleveland. Home has won him over before. Will it happen again? Who really knows?

All we can say is that the Cavs continue to be viewed as the team with the inside track.

Kurt Helin of NBC Sports reported that league sources he has spoken with believe all signs point to Cleveland, while noting Miami and Philadelphia remain firmly in the mix.

Hoops Wire has heard similar sentiment from league contacts, who continue to describe the Cavs as the team many around the NBA expect James to choose. That, of course, is different from saying the decision has already been made.

Along with the Cavs, Heat and 76ers, the Warriors are holding out hope, and the Nuggets and Timberwolves have been receiving mention of their own.

Durant has a prediction

Count Kevin Durant among those who believe the Cavs make the most sense.

“I wish I knew,” Durant told reporters. “But in my heart of hearts, if I had to choose one, I would say Cleveland, but I think Philly got a big chance too.”

Durant also acknowledged the Warriors remain a legitimate possibility, saying a pairing of James and Stephen Curry “would be a movie.”

As for the idea of eventually teaming up with James himself?

“You gonna be waiting for the rest of your life,” Durant joked.

Pacers staying out

One team apparently isn’t making a pitch.

As Hoops Wire relayed Wednesday, citing Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of ScoopB.com, Indiana has no plans to recruit James despite Tyrese Haliburton sharing the stage with him during Thursday’s live recording of Mind the Game.

A Pacers source told Robinson the organization remains committed to building around its current core rather than chasing another superstar.

Robinson also reported that James has concerns about Joel Embiid‘s long-term health as he continues evaluating Philadelphia among his options.

Eyes on Fanatics Fest

Thursday’s live Mind the Game recording with Haliburton begins at 1:15 p.m. Eastern and will undoubtedly draw enormous attention. Let’s hope the servers are up to the task.

Anyway, while there has been no indication James plans to announce his decision during the event, the timing has fueled plenty of speculation.

If Thursday comes and goes without an announcement, James is also scheduled to appear Friday during a live taping of The Shop, giving him another high-profile stage if he chooses to address his future.

But as of early Thursday morning, the biggest question in the NBA remains unanswered.

Only James knows when that answer is coming. And, presumably, what that answer is.