Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers knows where LeBron James should play basketball next season, and no, it's not the Bay Area.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this week that James' top three suitors in free agency are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. It's possible the Warriors enter the mix, but they'll need to acquire Anthony Davis in order to make themselves an appealing destination for the four-time MVP.
“When I talk to teams now I have a hierarchy of Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, and then some teams on the peripheral,” Charania told ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. "LeBron is just taking a period of time here that has now allowed the Warriors to think if they want to engage the Wizards on an Anthony Davis trade and bring LeBron and AD as a package."
While we can't rule out the Warriors winning the sweepstakes for James, not even a beloved member of the franchise would rank them as the top option.
Myers won four NBA titles and was named Executive of the Year twice during his run with the Warriors from 2012-2023. Despite his ties to Golden State, he claims the 76ers present the best chance for James to win a title next season.
"If he was here, I'd say, 'I honestly believe this is your best chance to win," Myers said. "You have to decide all the other things that are equally important.' ... What I would just say is, if it's about winning, let's talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philadelphia."
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.
Philly could be the top spot for LeBron.
The 76ers already had an intriguing trio of Joel Embiid, V.J. Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey on their roster before free agency started. They bolstered their core by acquiring Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics.
Brown was excellent for the Celtics this past season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Apparently, his presence in Philly has elevated their chances of landing James.
"When the Sixers got Jaylen Brown… [LeBron James is] taking their pitch really seriously," Charania said. "I look at it, when I talk to teams now, as kind of a hierarchy of Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia."
As of this moment, there's no timetable for James' decision.
