While the entire basketball world awaits LeBron James’ decision on his future, the Miami Heat made a striking mistake that sparked rumors about a possible return of the four-time NBA champion.
The Heat’s official YouTube channel briefly posted a video titled “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference,” scheduled for July 27. The publication was deleted a few minutes later, but not before users captured images and shared them on social networks.
Given the wave of speculation, the franchise issued a statement to clarify what happened.
“It was a mistake by the Heat’s social media department while preparing the possibility of LeBron choosing Miami. But there is no validity to it at this time,” the team explained to journalist Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Miami remains an option for LeBron
The return to South Beach is among the most popular destinations for the top scorer in NBA history. James played for the Heat between 2010 and 2014, during which time he won his first two NBA championships and was twice voted Finals MVP.
During his four seasons in Miami he played 294 games, with averages of 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Pat Riley fueled speculation
Heat president of operations Pat Riley has insisted the organization will be patient as LeBron decides the ultimate fate of his career. However, last week he left a phrase that many interpreted as a nod to a possible incorporation.
“We landed a plane. Now there is another one that we have to land,” Riley commented during the official presentation of Giannis Antetokounmpo, statements that revived speculation about the return of the historic forward.
Although the Heat denied that the leaked video confirmed a deal, the incident only increased the hype surrounding one of the biggest decisions of the NBA free agent market.
