Delving into the weeklong saga that saw him become the apple of the Los Angeles Lakers’ eyes, UConn head coach Dan Hurley reveals that LeBron James had texted him to and through the process.
.@dhurley15 reveals he exchanged text messages with LeBron James before deciding to return to UConn pic.twitter.com/n3N4TpsVMh
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 13, 2024
“We had some texted messages,” Hurley tells The Herd host Colin Cowherd. “Incredible message from him over the course of the weekend just talking about basketball and some different things. And letting me know that if he was there in L.A. that I would have his support… that blew my mind.
Dan Hurley Reveals LeBron James Texted Him During Lakers Saga
That James was enamored enough by the idea of the Lakers hiring Hurley to contact him obviously speaks to his respect for the head coach.
“…The exchange even went through when I chose to go in another direction…”
Yet, it also lends credence to the belief that James could remain in Los Angeles. His agent, Rich Paul, has cast doubt on that aspersion by saying James will opt-out of his contract this offseason. Even Hurley said that James left the door open for his departure.
Are the Sixers A Threat?
Nonetheless, among the teams projected to have enough cap space to sign him to a max contract, only the Philadelphia 76ers can claim to give James a better shot at winning another title. They have 2023 NBA MVP, Joel Embiid, one of the few big men better than Anthony Davis. They have a breakout star in Tyrese Maxey who would be the best guard he’s played with since Kyrie Irving. Notably, Maxey is a Klutch Sports client, and James has expressed fondness of him on multiple occasions.
James may not be as comfortable in Philadelphia as is in Los Angeles though. James and his family have grown roots in the City of Angels. The 39-year-old is taking advantage of immediately accessible media opportunities. He’s also developed a close relationship with several members of the Lakers, including David and owner Jeanie Buss.
There’s reason to doubt he’ll form the same bond with Daryl Morey, as James Harden’s publicized tiff with the Sixers president put the executive’s character —namely his trustworthiness —into question. For a player such as James, trust is paramount to having an acceptable working relationship. Just consider former Cavs general manager David Griffin, now the New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president. James was able to put his trust in him not just as roster architects but as a person.
Griffin would never go behind James’s back or purposely betray his word. Would Morey?
All that said, the idea of a Big 4 should be enticing to the James if the Sixers are considering it. However, unless James willing to take a substantial pay cut, there’s little chance that Philadelphia can sign him and one of their other star targets.
A nine-time All-Star, Paul George’s primary goal this offseason seems to be getting paid. Winning a ring may not matter to him as much as tens of millions. The same holds true for four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson. He may be easier to acquire than George though, both more affordable and persuadable if the Sixers offer a starting role.
Rivals Turned Teammates?
There are other contenders that are viable destinations. At least in the sense that there may be mutual interest. The only catch is that those teams have to initiate a sign-and-trade for James’s services.
Of those franchises where they may be serious interest, the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns appear to be the most realistic. The Warriors have already flirted with the idea of adding James, going so far as to contact his agent. The Suns haven’t made any known overtures, unless one counts them working out Bronny James ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Indeed, paired with Stephen Curry or Kevin Durant, James may win a championship in short order. Nonetheless, those teams still have to get cooperation from the Lakers to make the deal work. L.A. has shown a willingness to do right by James. However, they’ll be reluctant to send him to a potential playoff opponent, and in the same conference no less.
