In a somewhat shocking turn of events, LeBron James ends up rebuffing another stint in both Cleveland and Miami to join an Eastern Conference rival. A decision that took James well over a month has him signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, per a Friday afternoon report by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Clearly prioritizing a chance to win and the 76ers’ roster depth, James becomes the latest addition for a Philadelphia team that already acquired former NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown earlier in the offseason. And even though a team with James, Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and even a budding star in V.J. Edgecombe may seem stacked and destined for greatness, James, already a four-time champion, knows team success is never guaranteed as much as anyone.
So now that we know what James has called his “last decision,” one that resulted in agreeing to a two-year, $8 million deal, it’s time to look at both the pros and cons of the league’s all-time leading scorer ending his career in Philadelphia.
Pros of LeBron James on the 76ers
On paper, it’s hard to argue against this new-look 76ers squad, especially when stacking them up against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors or any of the other perspective suitors. Basketball wise, playing next to a young sharp shooter in Edgecombe, alongside a big in Embiid, who proved in the playoffs that he can still dominate in spirts when healthy and with a two-star in Brown makes sense.
LeBron James shouldn’t have to carry the load on the court
James won’t have to the pressure of having to carry the load and he conserve his energy without having to worry about shouldering a big defensive burden. And even if Embiid’s health becomes an issue, the 76ers have enough talent and depth to still contend in the Eastern Conference.
