LeBron James’ ‘Trust The Process’ Quote at Fanatics Fest Sparks Social Media Frenzy – “He Trolling”
Fans, analysts, and even the NBA is waiting for LeBron James to decide where he would play in the 2025-26 season.
LeBron James mentioned 'The Process' (Image via FirstSportz)
Even though everyone is aware that LeBron James might take his time to announce his next destination, it did not stop hordes of fans and reporters from gathering at the Fanatics Fest in New York in the hope of hearing something from him.
Five teams are currently circling the 41-year-old. Over the past several days, most of these teams have been either rising or dipping on the betting scene depending on what updates come through. Since James and his camp are tight-lipped about it, every rumor is coming from sources outside the core.
That is why, when it was announced that the four-time champion would appear at the Fanatics Fest this year, fans and reporters from all major media houses rushed to New York.
On the first day, Tyrese Haliburton tried to get it out of the former Lakers superstar, but failed miserably. On the second day, the Akron native was chatting with the cast of The Shop when he got to talking about what he is looking for in the next team he signs with.
I wanna join a franchise that kind of shares the same motto as myself. That’s like practicing championship habits every day. But trusting the process more than anything.
LeBron James said
As LeBron James rattles off what he will value in his next team, he used the phrase “trust the process” and the crowd was sent into a tizzy, thinking he was giving a clue about the Philadelphia 76ers. pic.twitter.com/klpBWePWNq
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 17, 2026
As soon as he said this, the crowd seated in front of him started to grasp what is essentially a link to the Philadelphia 76ers. They have been following ‘The Process’ for a long time, and now fans believe James just hinted at his next destination.
Fans lose their minds over LeBron James’ comment
Those seated in front of LeBron James were not the only ones to lose their minds over what he just said. Saying ‘trust the process’ was, to them, a clear indication that the father of three was hinting at the Philadelphia 76ers.
Even though the former Lakers superstar reiterated that he has been saying this since he was drafted, fans were not ready to let go of what has been the clearest indication so far. Check out examples of those reactions below.
Lolol bro said it twice
— WashedLife (@duttyalacrity) July 17, 2026
He trolling
He knew exactly what he was doing. He’s having way too much fun.
— PalmersBurner (@PalmersBurner) July 17, 2026
LeBron accidentally sent the NBA rumor mill into overdrive for a second. 😭😂
— Paramarley (@Paramarley10315) July 17, 2026
LeBron had to clarify before every 76ers fan started editing him into a Philly jersey. 😭🏀
— SPORT ELITE 🏅 (@SportElite_) July 17, 2026
I just screamed pic.twitter.com/Ie3HtalUSR
— JC🤿 (@walkemdownstrap) July 17, 2026
He knows what he's doing 😂 LeBron not just saying words.
— James (@jamesbsv313) July 17, 2026
😂😂🤣🤣🤣 LeGOAT got the whole NBA in a chokehold…. Nobody ever had this much Aura
— LeGOAT James Commentary (@LBJgoat_talk) July 17, 2026
LeBron had to shut that down fast before the rumor mill went into overdrive.
— Lobo Ca$hFlow (@lobocashflow) July 17, 2026
LeBron James might just be trolling everyone with the mention of ‘the process.’ He knows everyone is eagerly waiting to know where he will take his talents next.
LeBron James is close to making a decision
This mention notwithstanding, everyone is aware that LeBron James could possibly announce his decision after the Summer League games are over.

Multiple sources familiar with his thinking told me in the last 24 hours that he is truly getting much closer to a decision… Everyone is just hoping it comes as early as next week, possibly in the early part of next week.
Dave McMenamin said on SportsCenter
"Multiple sources familiar with his thinking told me in the last 24 hours that he is truly getting much closer to a decision."@mcten joins @KevinNegandhi on SportsCenter from Fanatics Fest to discuss the latest on LeBron's free agency ✍️ pic.twitter.com/cfvhKxiw0p
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 17, 2026
The ESPN insider has a lot of connections to those around the four-time league MVP. Along with his sources from across the league, McMenamin hopes everyone does not have to wait beyond next week.
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