James has chosen Philadelphia because he believes the 76ers give him one last legitimate chance to compete for another NBA championship before ending one of basketball’s greatest careers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James has agreed to a two-year veteran minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers that includes a player option for the second season. The move ends weeks of speculation after the four time NBA MVP declined to return to the Los Angeles Lakers following eight seasons in Southern California. The announcement came directly from James through a lengthy social media statement, where he explained that retirement was a real possibility after the season ended.
James’ future has dominated NBA headlines since June 30, when he informed the Lakers he would not return. Over the following weeks, nearly every franchise reportedly made its pitch before his list narrowed to the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers. The sight of Bob Myers pleading the Sixers’ case to Rich Paul on the Game Over podcast notwithstanding, Philly is way out of left field. The 76ers now have an über-talented, top-heavy, mind-blowingly fascinating roster that may or may not make any sense. Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron, and Joel Embiid provide, spacing issues aside, an egregious amount of skill, power, and athleticism. Good luck stopping that five-man unit if they can figure out how to meaningfully sacrifice their scoring opportunities, stay healthy, and make a resounding commitment to team defense.