Now that LeBron James is a Philadelphia 76er, a lot of details behind the lengthy decision have started to trickle out.
The Sixers somewhat came out of left field for most, as many felt the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat were the two frontrunners, with the Golden State Warriors as a third option still ahead of Philadelphia.
It turns out nobody truly knew what James was thinking because not only did he choose the 76ers, but based on recent comments from his agent, Rich Paul, on the Game Over podcast, it sounds like the decision may have ultimately come down to Philadelphia and Golden State.
“It was a tough decision for him. He just really decided on it like bang bang. It was pretty layered across the board. All the speculation out there, as you can see, was so far left. That choice is a roller coaster ride. Who wouldn’t wanna play with Steph Curry and Draymond Green in the Bay Area? You get what I’m saying?”
The 41-year-old James, of course, signed a two-year, $8 million veteran minimum contract to join the 76ers on Friday. He averaged 20.9 points per game, 7.2 assists per game, and 6.1 rebounds per game in 60 games played last season.
Reports along the way had suggested that James was waiting on the possibility of Golden State finding a way to land Anthony Davis in a trade. It’s fair to wonder whether he learned that wouldn’t be possible, which in turn played a factor in his decision to join the 76ers.
James teaming up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green after so many years of battling in the NBA Finals would have been special. Unfortunately for the Warriors, it wasn’t to be, and they’ll now have to continue searching for another star to help their aging legends try to compete for one last title.
Next: Arsenal Eyeing Move for Real Madrid Star Vinicius Junior
