LeBron James had the chance to stay in Los Angeles, however he in the end handed on the possibility earlier than signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in free company.
In response to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Wednesday, James’ free company course of started with Wealthy Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports activities, holding discussions with 27 groups earlier than narrowing the sphere to 5 finalists: the 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Warmth, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. McMenamin additionally reported that a number of sudden franchises explored the potential of signing the four-time NBA champion, together with the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers’ proposal was significantly notable as a result of it will have allowed James to stay in Southern California. ESPN reported that Los Angeles mentioned providing James a one-year contract value greater than $20 million, enabling him to proceed dwelling at his Brentwood residence whereas ending his profession with the Lakers’ crosstown rival.
Regardless of that chance, James selected Philadelphia, the place he joins a roster that has undergone a dramatic overhaul following the 2025-26 season.
The 76ers completed 45-37 final season, incomes the Jap Convention’s seventh seed earlier than defeating the Boston Celtics in a seven-game first-round series. Their playoff run ended within the convention semifinals, the place they were swept 4-0 by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia in scoring with 28.3 factors and 6.6 assists per sport through the common season whereas incomes All-NBA Third Workforce honors. Joel Embiid appeared in simply 38 video games due to accidents however nonetheless averaged 26.9 factors, 7.7 rebounds and three.9 assists.
Philadelphia has since reshaped its roster round a championship push. The franchise acquired Jaylen Brown from the Celtics in trade for Paul George and draft compensation, giving the group a brand new star trio of Brown, Embiid and Maxey earlier than including James in free company.
The Clippers, in the meantime, have been additionally coming into a brand new period. They completed 42-40 final season and reached the Western Convention Play-In Match behind Kawhi Leonard, who averaged 27.9 factors, 6.4 rebounds and three.6 assists whereas incomes All-NBA Second Workforce honors. Darius Garland added 19.9 factors and 6.4 assists in 19 appearances after arriving in a midseason trade.
Nonetheless, Los Angeles pivoted towards a long-term rebuild shortly after the season. The franchise traded Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and a number of draft picks, whereas persevering with to construct round Garland and a youthful core that additionally consists of Bennedict Mathurin and 2026 No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler.
