SerpApi.Org
LeBron James has not yet announced where he'll be playing next season, but NBA fans are convinced he's heading back to the Miami Heat.
The Heat have been considered a suitor for James since the start of free agency. He had a great run in South Beach from 2010-2014, winning two NBA championships while averaging 26.9 points and 6.7 assists per game. Clearly, he had enough fun in Miami that his agent was willing to have discussions with Heat president Pat Riley.
“I don’t know, I’ll be honest with you,” Riley told ESPN when asked about James' future. “Obviously, we’ve had conversations with Rich [Paul] and they were very good. So if that happens and he wants to come to the ‘305,’ we got a golf course. The weather’s nice. Steve Kerr, same thing down here. And there’s no state tax. So that’s a little better than California.”
Riley hasn't said much since those remarks, but the Heat are quickly generating the most buzz in the LeBron sweepstakes. In fact, some fans believe it's a done deal.
A social media user (@HeatvsHaters) claims the official YouTube channel for the Heat published a scheduled press conference for James. The title of the alleged video read: "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference."
While this video can no longer be found on YouTube, a screenshot was grabbed by the Heat account with over 159,000 followers.
Neither James nor his camp have commented on this rumored video. To be fair, it's possible this is all a hoax.
Miami has gained momentum in the LeBron sweepstakes.
A week ago, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said the Heat are starting to make “more sense” for James. He's been following the four-time MVP closely since his days at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.
“You know that I’m from Cleveland, you know my ties there. The more I’ve looked at this and the more I’ve had conversations, the more Miami makes sense to me [for LeBron],” Windhorst said. “And now when I hear him thinking about a couple of years, it makes even more sense to me.”
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith also views Miami as the top destination for James.
“From a basketball standpoint, Giannis, Adebayo, Bobby Portis, your front line is stacked… with LeBron having the ball in his hands,” Smith said. “From a basketball standpoint it’s the best situation for him. If lifestyle is what’s important, that damn sure is a better situation for him.”
We'll see if the Heat can close the deal and sign James for a second time.
