LeBron James was torn between the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers before ultimately choosing Philadelphia.
Before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James was reportedly torn between Philadelphia and a Western Conference powerhouse.
LeBron James
Position SF
Age 41
Height 206 cm
Weight 113 kg
Birth place Akron, United States of America
James' agent, Rich Paul, revealed that the 41-year-old superstar seriously considered both the Golden State Warriors and the 76ers before ultimately choosing Philadelphia.
"This is why I said all that stuff was false – all the speculation. At the end of the day, these guys are just doing their job," Paul said on the Game Over podcast.
"It was a layered decision across the board between Philly and Golden State, and he just ultimately decided on Philly."
Paul also explained why James could be particularly valuable to 76ers head coach Nick Nurse.
"Adding LeBron, with his experience, gives Nick Nurse a guy he can rely on to police the team so the players don't turn on Nick," he added.
The real reason LeBron James joined the 76ers revealed
Credit AP-Scanpix
After the blockbuster announcement that LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year $8 million deal, the legendary player shared a message on social media in which he reveals why he chose his new team.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," the veteran shared.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, a source familiar with LeBron's thinking revealed that his choice hinged on the pursuit of a championship and the 76ers gives him the best chance to do that.
"At this stage of his career, if he's going to sacrifice all that he does to be able to play at a high level, it has to be in service of winning a championship."
James joins loaded 76ers core
James will continue his career in Philadelphia after choosing the 76ers over several other championship contenders.
The move places him alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe, giving Philadelphia one of the NBA's most talented groups.
The 76ers acquired Brown from the Boston Celtics earlier this offseason, adding the five-time All-Star to a core already led by Embiid and Maxey.
James' playmaking could reduce the offensive burden on Philadelphia's other stars, while Brown and Maxey would provide athleticism and scoring around him.
His existing relationship with Embiid, whom he played alongside with Team USA, also offers Philadelphia another experienced superstar partnership.
James had previously attracted speculation about Philadelphia after using his familiar "trust the process" phrase, although he has used the expression throughout his career.
His decision transforms the Sixers into one of the Eastern Conference's most closely watched teams and raises expectations of an immediate championship push.
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