Heat’s Bam Adebayo has warning for LeBron after 76ers decision

July 28, 2026

LeBron James won’t be getting any sympathy from Bam Adebayo.

Asked Tuesday about James choosing the 76ers over the Heat in free agency, Adebayo made it clear there are no hard feelings. There is, however, a little extra motivation.

“Like I told him in the message, I’m going to bust his a–,” Adebayo said with a smile, via Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “So, it’s going to be an exciting season. I’m excited for the East. We got a whole new turnaround in the East.”

James and Adebayo became close while helping Team USA win the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Heat were considered one of the teams in the mix before James ultimately chose Philadelphia.

“There ain’t no disappointment,” Adebayo said. “You should always be happy for a person and their decision. He made a decision where he feels like it’s his best situation to win. And I feel like I’m a good friend of LeBron’s.”

Adebayo spoke during his annual back-to-school event in Miami, where he helped distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to thousands of children. The veteran center, entering his 10th NBA season, also discussed the excitement surrounding the Heat’s blockbuster addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“I’m excited for the season,” Adebayo said. “I’m excited to be his teammate. I’m excited for the city of Miami and the energy we gained.”

Adebayo also reiterated how much Miami has come to mean to him after spending his entire NBA career with the franchise.

“I’m happy to be here,” he said. “I got an organization that believes in me.”

The friendship with James may still be there. Once the season tips off, though, Adebayo made it clear he’s looking forward to competing against one of the NBA’s newest Eastern Conference rivals.