LeBron James is drawing serious interest from the Philadelphia 76ers as he searches for his next team following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers.
James told the Lakers of his plans to move on, setting off rumors about his next and final NBA stop. Reports indicate he will not decide based solely on money and hopes to join a contending team this coming season.
Early reports linked James to the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the 76ers have now emerged as a new front-runner as Philadelphia looks to win a title.
On Friday's episode of the "Game Over" podcast, James' agent and business partner Rich Paul named Philadelphia as one of five realistic options for the star.
Maxey and Embiid connections
Reports point to James' connection with Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey, another of Paul's clients. Paul said James "loves" Maxey's play, which could help draw him to Philadelphia.
The 76ers recently added 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, with whom he won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Other teams in the mix
Alongside the 76ers, Paul listed the Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets as James' best options. The Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks were named as secondary options.
Paul said the Knicks would have been James' top choice had they not already 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 has still "checked in" about James' willingness to join.
