The internet may once again overreact in some of LeBron James' rumors.
The Lakers star saw the buzz of the “Welcome Home” hat he saw while playing golf last week in Cleveland. With rumors about possible reunions of the Cavaliers, it has revealed that this information is not about basketball at all.
LeBron shakes his “Welcome Home” hat pic.twitter.com/3cygbc4up0
– ESPN Cleveland (@epncleveland) July 2, 2025
The store and James co-creator Paul Rivera released a video to clarify the situation.
“I want to sign in with you guys with this little thing called 'Hat Gate',” Rivera said. “I didn't expect this hat to be here, 'Welcome home', turning the world of sports upside down a few years ago. You see this hat here, everyone thinks everyone is a secret message… If you just turn the situation around, you see it as a web hat home.”
James' explanation on his X account was reposted Tuesday night, without further comments, and seemed to enjoy speculating on how far he went.
Let's clear the air about the “Hat Gate” pic.twitter.com/svuln8526j
– Homecoming Network (@homecoming_net) July 8, 2025
After LeBron worked out at a Cleveland facility during the holidays, the Cavaliers chatted.
The hat will only add fuel to the fire as fans and media speculate that he is in the state’s fairy-tale third place.
But 40-year-old James seems to be locked in the Lakers at the moment. He chose his $52.6 million player option last month to prepare himself for his 2025-26 season, which could be his last time before he was free agent or retirement.
Rivera joked, “It’s fun.”
Read more: Is LeBron James' acquisition on the card?
The truth behind LeBron's “Welcome Home” hat appears first in basketball.
