The Golden State Warriors made a move that will help their pitch to potentially signLeBron James.
The Golden State Warriors are one of the handful of teams considered a serious landing spot for free agent and 22-time All-Star LeBron James.
The Warriors just made a move that makes life harder for every other suitor, including the Philadelphia 76ers. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, "Longtime NBA coach Frank Vogel has agreed to become the associate head coach for the Golden State Warriors under head coach Steve Kerr, sources tell ESPN."
What makes this significant for the James sweepstakes is Vogel was the Los Angeles Lakers' head coach from 2020 to 2022. So, he and James won an NBA championship together in 'The Bubble.'
The 41-year-old shared words of high praise for Vogel after he was fired as well.
"I respect Frank as a coach and as a man in our partnership that we’ve had over a few years here has been nothing but just candid,” James said in 2022. "Great conversations. He’s a guy that gives everything to the game. Prepared us every single night along with his coaching staff as well. You’ve got to give those guys a lot of credit, too."
Kerr was already an appealing coach for James, but adding another familiar face to the mix will only help Golden State's pitch.
The Warriors aren't the only ones with ties to James, however.
The 76ers are home to another Klutch Sports agency client in Tyrese Maxey, who many have suggested is a big selling point for James to potentially sign with Philadelphia. He is also familiar with the Sixers' new President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey, who worked for the Cleveland Cavaliers during his second tenure with the team.
Philadelphia made its major move to get James' attention by trading for All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown. If the Warriors are hoping the hiring of Vogel will have a similar effect, they're likely out of luck.
Ultimately, James is looking to win championship No. 5, and the acquisition of Brown and hiring of Vogel simply aren't in the same realm in terms of helping the respective teams' title odds.
Join The 76ersRoundtable
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.
