The Philadelphia 76ers expressed interest in acquiring LeBron James on Wednesday, shortly after trading for Jaylen Brown. The 76ers parted with Paul George and two first-round picks for the Celtics swingman. According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, the Sixers’ next order of business was to let James’ camp know about their intention to add the 22-time NBA All-Star, who left the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
“The Philadelphia 76ers have expressed interest in acquiring free agent forward LeBron James, a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations told The Athletic,” Jones reported.
“On the heels of Wednesday night’s blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown — which sent Paul George and multiple draft picks to the Boston Celtics — the Sixers have thrown their hat into the proverbial ring for the star forward, who became an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers,” he added.
While Sixers fans were pumped about the possibility of James joining their franchise, other NBA fans found it hilarious how “desperate” the team had become after already making one major move.
One fan wrote:
“Sixers calling LeBron like ‘please save us from another Embiid playoff injury’ … Bron to Philly? That’s desperation with a capital D”
More reactions followed:
How does LeBron James fit with the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Philadelphia 76ers would be an intriguing destination for LeBron James. But there are compelling cases for and against a move to Philly.
The 76ers can offer James the $5.5 million bi-annual exception. It’s slightly more than the minimum contract. However, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that money isn’t James’ priority.
As for his role, James would naturally fit in at the power forward position, alongside Tyrese Maxey at point guard, VJ Edgecombe at the two, Jaylen Brown at small forward and Joel Embiid at center. James can be the point forward who can make plays from the post.
However, the Sixers’ other four starters have high usage. Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown and Embiid can all create, score and facilitate, which would reduce James’ role.
There were rumors that James wasn’t necessarily willing to take up a third-option role with the Los Angeles Lakers, so switching teams, taking less money, and an even more diminished role seems unlikely.
James would likely want to join a team where he can contribute more and be accommodated as a second option at worst, serving as the primary or secondary on-ball creator.
The Heat could have the biggest appeal in that regard, while the Warriors, Timberwolves and Nuggets are other teams that make sense.
Read more:
- Dark Horse Landing Spot for LeBron James Revealed by Top NBA Insider
- Warriors’ Blockbuster LeBron James Pursuit Hits Snag After Free Agency Deal
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