LeBron James' 76ers Move Compared to Tom Brady’s Career-Changing Decision

LeBron James is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The decision comes after James had his pick of the litter between the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia. James is signing a two-year deal worth $8 million with a player option.  This is a massive move that shakes the foundation of the NBA. As he returns to the Eastern Conference, he brings with him a mountain of criticism and intrigue.

James' newest NBA home has put media outlets into a frenzy. Many have found the move "shocking." One analyst compared the move to a player many consider to be the GOAT of his sport. That analyst is none other than Fox’s Colin Cowherd, as The Herd host believes this move is special and can lead to big things for the Philadelphia franchise. 

“This is not ring chasing; it’s Tampa [Tom] Brady,” Cowherd said. “The Sixers haven’t won the Eastern Conference championship in like 25 years.”

Cowherd’s comparison is very fair considering Brady was in his early 40s and looking to wind down his career as James is currently doing. Here’s the thing, isn’t this a form of ring chasing? Sure, it’s not like Kevin Durant’s move where he goes to a team filled with HOFers, but he does go to a team filled with All-Stars. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the newly acquired Jaylen Brown all have All-Star accolades, and the Sixers are coming off a second-round exit against the current champion, the New York Knicks.

Cowherd's claim that this Brady to Tampa may only be partially true. Brady left New England because they weren’t giving him the pieces he wanted to compete for another title. James left Los Angeles for the same reasons, so how could this not be considered ring chasing? Brady’s Buccaneers also had a fortunate run where the majority of the team avoided the injury bug.

During James' eight seasons with the Lakers, he faced numerous injuries, including lower leg and back complications that caused him to miss 163 regular season games.

You add his current injury history with Embiid’s long-lasting history, and you could have the recipe for an entree with substance and no flavor. This season will mean more than anything, as this could be James' last chance to win another ring and ride off into the sunset as a champion. 

Now can he truly follow the Brady path and win another championship in his first year with a new team, or will he continue the Sixers' drought of making it to the NBA Finals?

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J'Mar Smith is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].