LeBron James may be pondering Los Angeles and Cleveland for the moment, but here are five reasons why the Philadelphia 76ers should still be on his mind.
The Philadelphia 76ers are still very much alive in the LeBron James hunt, but there are still a few pieces that must fall into place.
ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst reported Friday that James informed the Cleveland Cavaliers he is opting out of his $35.6 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
All signs are suddenly pointing to the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring King James, although Cleveland and Philly are quietly still in the mix. The four-time MVP could potentially become the highest-paid player in the NBA some time after July 6, where the contracts can be officially signed.
The Cavs could offer LeBron a five-year, $207.4 million deal to remain in Ohio, which would be more than the four-year, $152.3 million max if he goes elsewhere, per Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
As of now, the Lakers, Cavaliers and Sixers possess the most realistic shot at luring LeBron.
Updated odds on which team LeBron James will be on for the first game of the 2018-19 NBA season (Bovada):
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) June 27, 2018
Lakers -155
Cavaliers +200
76ers +550
Celtics +900
Rockets +950
Spurs +2800
Knicks +3000
Clippers +4000
Heat +4000
LeBron may never be faced with another decision of this magnitude for the remainder of his career. Although nobody will blame him for wherever he goes, here’s why the Sixers would make the most sense for him right now.