LeBron James chose the 76ers because he believes he can win. An NBA title has to be the only thing on his mind and it makes sense to go the Philadelphia route.
LeBron James has largely been considered the ring leader of creating the superteam. No matter where he goes, the moniker follows him. Now, with the Philadelphia 76ers, despite what everyone claims, he is looking to continue winning at a high rate.
One 76ers executive believes by choosing to come to Philadelphia, he chose the hardest route of his career. Bob Myers believes his choice was driven by how badly James wanted to win and compete for another championship.
“He chose the team where there’s only one reason. “I want to win. " It wasn't because I played there before. Or I grew up there. I want to play with my friend. It was because I want to win.” Myers said on the Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady podcast.
This also just seemed like the best fit for James at this stage of his career. He’s not a spring chicken. Don’t let James’ physique fool you; he’s still over the age of 40. If he were to go to any of the other teams that made an offer, he would surely have to be the star of the team. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat were top candidates for James, and there were also rumors of Golden State.
When it comes to Miami, all of their players were gone the moment they went all in on Giannis Antetokounmpo. If they were to add James, there was likely no money left to add someone like Klay Thompson. Which would have put a bigger burden on his shoulders, plus the idea of Antetokounmpo and James just wouldn’t be a good fit. Cleveland may have been a better option due to the talent aspect, but then it would have been nothing but isolation basketball, and as we’ve seen in the past, there’s no championship in sight for that style of play.
Philadelphia was the only right choice. This team has everything James needs to be back in the winners circle. The team is filled with all-stars in Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. Their play style fits what James wants to do. Not to mention, head coach Nick Nurse knows how to put players in the right position at just the right moment. Also, the amount of youth on this team allows the future Hall of Famer a chance to keep his body fresh.
It couldn’t be scripted any better for James as he looks for one last chance to win an NBA title.
