LeBron James was seen in Saudi Arabia recently, shortly after joking about the possibility of playing there in the future amid rumors of a lucrative $1 billion contract offer from a local basketball team. The 38-year-old Lakers star posted a selfie with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, Bader bin Farhan Alsaud, on his Instagram story, captioning it with “Love my brother!!! Until next.” Also present in the photo were James’ agent Maverick Carter and two others.

While the purpose of James’ visit to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, this week remains unclear, reports suggest he may have been invited to attend a friendly match at AZM Academy. Videos of James leaving a building with businessmen recently went viral on social media.

Despite speculation about his future, Lakers fans need not worry about James leaving anytime soon. However, the idea of him potentially playing in Saudi Arabia for a substantial sum after retiring from the NBA isn’t entirely out of the question. Earlier in July, James humorously shared a GIF suggesting how quickly he would head to Saudi Arabia if offered a significant contract. The possibility of a $1 billion deal with Al-Hilal has been rumored.

Concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record may complicate any decision for James, despite other superstar athletes like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson moving there. James’ summer has also included supporting his eldest son, Bronny, who is recovering from a cardiac event and subsequent diagnosis of a congenital heart defect. Additionally, he attended a Drake concert and an LA Dodgers game recently with his family.

Currently under contract with the Lakers for two more years with a player option for the 2024-25 season, James has expressed interest in possibly playing alongside his son, Bronny, if he enters the NBA.