That’s right, it is that time of the year again folks! LeBron James free agency is always the most anticipated in the NBA, and for good reason. Because James is usually very unpredictable with his free agency decisions, everybody gets in on predicting where he might end up.
Why The 76ers And LeBron James Are A Good Match
The Cleveland Cavaliers drastic changes this season have also added to the suspense. This all began when Kyrie Irving requested to be traded. Irving ultimately ended up with the Boston Celtics, while the Cavaliers received Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the pick the Brooklyn Nets got in return.
Thomas’ hip injury really derailed ‘what could have been’ for the Cavaliers. They were consistently getting blown out and everyone could feel the ship sinking quick, fast, and in a hurry. Because of this inconsistency, a ton of deals were made by the Cavaliers’ front office just before the trade deadline.
These new-look Cavaliers featured a younger, more athletic look that came out firing. Since then, however, they have been struggling with integration and a multitude of injuries to key players. The most notable injured Cavalier being all-star forward Kevin Love.
Even though the new-look Cavs look younger and more equipped to make a deep run, they are still lacking that firepower. Losing Irving has been a huge blow for the Cavaliers and we all know James is always thinking ahead.
Let’s not forget that James was not getting the help he needed from the Cavaliers’ front office, which is a huge reason he decided to take his talents to south beach. When he did decide to come back in 2014, that decision was a lot easier because Irving was a young star that was on the rise.
Case for Philly
It is hard to argue against the Philadelphia 76ers when it comes to young stars. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are two young studs that can potentially take over the league in the coming years. Embiid is a skilled ‘do-it-all’ big man that has impeccable footwork. Simmons, on the other hand, is a walking triple-double. Simmons and James also share the same agent and are very good friends off the court.
James is not going to be the greatest player on earth forever and he will be preparing for this reality. He will try to go to the place where he can sprinkle in his greatness but not have to play 40 minutes a night in order to pull out a victory.
Another reason the 76ers might have a great chance of landing James is that they are in the Eastern Conference.
Other Possible Teams
The Ringer recently reported that there are only a few teams on James’ list. This list includes the Cavaliers, 76ers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Cavaliers certainly proved they are still committed to James by making those deals at the deadline to remain competitive. These deals do not dismiss the ineptitude of the owner and how James and Dan Gilbert are still not on good terms after all these years.
The Rockets appear great on paper but will they be able to have a suitable bench while paying James Harden, James, and Chris Paul?
The Lakers are another destination that has gained traction. Lonzo Ball has that same great relationship with James and James certainly loves being in the city of angels. Young pieces like Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma also make this destination very lucrative. But again, will James want to leave the Eastern Conference and have to battle juggernauts out west day in and day out?
If James joins the 76ers he will have the best of both worlds. He will have young studs to play with and remain in the East. James can regroup with these young stars and continue to make runs at an NBA championship. The problem with James is that he won’t think about free agency until the season is over. Until then, we will continue to speculate and predict.
Main Photo:
