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Originally appeared on E! Online
LeBron James almost had the internet burning up.
Amid speculation about which team the NBA champion will be joining following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat fueled rumors he may be headed back down there after a video entitled “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference | July 27, 2026” was posted to the team’s YouTube channel on July 21.
However, while there was smoke, there ultimately was no fire.
The video was quickly taken down, with a spokesperson for the Heat telling the Miami Herald that it was mistakenly made public by the team’s social media department while they prepared for the possibility of James choosing to return to the Heat. They added that there is currently no validity to the video.
Of course, James previously called Miami home when he played for the Heat from 2010 to 2014 after kicking off his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. He rejoined the Cavs in 2014 before making his way to the Lakers in 2018.
READ LeBron James’ Wife Savannah James Addresses “Crazy” Criticism After His Lakers Exit
The 41-year-old confirmed at the end of June that he would be leaving the Lakers, although he himself has yet to share where he plans to play next, with the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and even the Cavs all currently rumored to be in contention.
Still, he’s hopeful that fans will continue to support him on his journey.
"Wherever I land in the fall, hopefully, if you're a ride or die LeBron fan, if you've been down with me since day one, I hope you ride with me there," he told the crowd at Fanatics Fest NYC on July 16. "If you're a ride or die LeBron hater, that's what you do anyway. So, looking forward to seeing you as well."
"It's gonna be pretty fun wherever I land," he added. "I'm gonna do what I do best. I'm gonna try."
And determining where to go is not just a choice the basketball star is making for himself, but one that is also for his family, including wife Savannah James and their kids Bronny, 21—who also plays for the Lakers—Bryce, 18, and Zuri, 10.
"Obviously, it's a big decision," he told a young fan at Fanatics Fest. "This is the third time in my career that I’ve been a free agent. It’s a big decision for not only myself, but for my family as well."
