The NBA world has been waiting on the edge of their seats to see which team LeBron James chooses to join in free agency.
After telling the Los Angeles Lakers of his plans to move on from the team, James has been at the center of plenty of rumors as he seeks his next and final stop in his storied NBA career.
Reports indicate that James will not be making a decision solely based on money and is hoping to play for a contending team this coming season.
While initial indications hinted that James was linked with the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, a third team is in consideration.
The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as a new front-runner to sign James as the team hopes to win a world title.
On Friday’s episode of the ‘Game Over’ podcast, James’ agent and business partner Rich Paul highlighted Philadelphia as one of five realistic options for LeBron to go.
A surprise team has entered the race to sign free agent LeBron James after he left the Lakers
James’ agent Rich Paul says the Philadelphia 76ers are one of the top options for the star
In particular, Paul says that James ‘loves’ the play of Tyrese Maxey and wants to team up
James would also work with superstar Joel Embiid (L) and the newly acquired Jaylen Brown (R)
Specifically, reports have pointed to LeBron’s connection to Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey – another one of Paul’s clients, who the agent says James ‘loves’ – which could help lure him to The City of Brotherly Love.
The 76ers also recently made a major move to add former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics to bolster their roster.
James would also have the chance to team up with former league MVP Joel Embiid – who he won a gold medal with at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In addition to the Sixers, the Cavaliers were listed by Paul as James’ best options alongside the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.
On the periphery, the Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks were considered as secondary options.
In particular, Paul says the Knicks would have been James’ top option had they not won a title.
‘If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks,’ Paul said on the show – adding that the team still has ‘checked in’ about LeBron’s willingness to join.
