LeBron James knows how to get the fans going by just saying the right words. On Friday, James did an episode of "The Shop" live at the Fanatics Fest in New York City. During the episode, he said a phrase that led many to believe he would join the Philadelphia 76ers this summer.

The four-time champion spoke about the criteria for joining a franchise for his 24th season. James highlighted that he wants to join an organization that is focused on contending for a title and mentioned the phrase "trust the process." Fans thought that it was a hint at which team he'll be playing for the 2026-27 season.

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James tried to control the situation, but he had already mentioned the phrase.

Fans on X lit up after the clip from LeBron James went viral. Here are some of what the fans said online.

Other fans were convinced that James would play for the 76ers next season.

At the Fanatics Fest, LeBron James also shot a live episode of "Mind the Game" podcast, with Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton as the guest co-host. During the episode, Haliburton asked the four-time champion if there was still a decision to be made.

Nevertheless, James did not respond to the query or discuss it in the podcast episode.

On Thursday, at the CNBC and Boardroom Game Plan Summit, James hinted that he had made a decision. However, he did not mention any team and kept it as mysterious as ever.

Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors have been linked to him. Each team has its own creative narrative for LeBron James, and fans are eager to know which one he'll join.

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