The Miami Heat mistakenly posted a link on YouTube to what appeared to be an introductory press conference for NBA star LeBron James, the team confirmed Tuesday. The link, scheduled for July 27, was uploaded to the Heat's official channel before being deleted.
A spokesperson for the Heat told Reuters that the video was posted in error by staff who were preparing for the possibility of James joining the team. BBC Sport has contacted the Miami Heat for comment.
James, 41, announced in June that he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after an eight-year tenure, during which he helped the team secure the 2020 NBA title. This was his fourth NBA championship overall. He previously played for the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014.
Last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds for the Lakers. He is the NBA's all-time leader in games played with 1,622 and points with 43,440.
Reports suggest that a return to Miami could form a strong starting lineup for the Heat, potentially alongside new signing Giannis Antetokounmpo and center Bam Adebayo. The team had reportedly traded key players to acquire Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, indicating a focus on rebuilding quickly for a championship run.
However, James' agent, Rich Paul, stated earlier this week that the player is "not going to be rushed" into making a decision about his next team. Paul commented on the Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul podcast, "It's his choice to make and when he makes the choice, he'll make it."