On paper, the Philadelphia 76ers have everything LeBron James needs to win a title. Does he want to join their roster though for what could be his farewell tour?
After the 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics, ESPN's Shams Charania said Philadelphia "entered the mix" for James. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul sparked even more speculation by saying James "loves" 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey.
"A key factor in any sort of Philadelphia pursuit of LeBron is Tyrese Maxey," ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said. "Not only because of his talent, which is awesome, but he's one of Klutch's core clients. He's basically a part of LeBron's extended family."
While the idea of James finishing his career in the City of Brotherly Love is interesting, fans may want to pump the brakes on that possibility.
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During an appearance on "Get Up" this Friday, ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon said James probably doesn't want to be the fourth option on a nightly basis. That would most likely be the case if he joins the 76ers.
"Sure he’d fit as the 3rd or 4th option but LeBron is seeking basketball happiness," MacMahon said. "I don’t think that is basketball happiness. I think he wants to go somewhere he’ll touch the ball on more than an occasional basis."
The trio of Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey would certainly allow James to take a lesser role in the regular season. That might not necessarily be what he wants though in what could be the final year of his career.
Where can LeBron find basketball happiness next season?
NBA reporter Nick Friedell claims the Golden State Warriors are best positioned to check off that box for James.
“LeBron is looking for basketball happiness at the end,” Friedell said, via the New York Post. “There’s no better place to do that than here, flatly. He’s got a chemistry with Steph. He knows Draymond for all these years. He knows what Steve Kerr’s all about. They lived it and won a gold medal together in Paris at the Olympics. The Warriors, on top of all that, and I think this has gotten lost in the shuffle. They let their players be who they are. Look at Jimmy Butler.”
We also can't rule out the Cleveland Cavaliers since James has so much history with the city and franchise.
