The Philadelphia 76ers have been looking for a superstar to play with Joel Embiid. Could LeBron James be the answer this offseason?
The 38-year-old superstar has made it known that he wants to play with his oldest son, Bronny, in the NBA. LeBron has a player option next season so he could hit the open market as soon as this offseason.
Jack Fritz and Eliot Shorr-Parks of the Audacy original podcast “Clap Your Hands” discussed if the Sixers should go all out to bring in LeBron James next offseason.
“The Sixers should sign LeBron next offseason,” Fritz said (1:27 in player above). “They should sign LeBron next offseason. He’s going to be a free agent. He has said that he will play wherever the team that drafts Bronny, he’ll play there… He’s had that on the record. I don’t think he’d go back on his word. I think he might be forcing the Lakers to do it, but whatever.”
While LeBron has always been the primary focus of the offense throughout his career, perhaps he’d be willing to take a bit of a back seat to play with Bronny – and play for a championship.
“LeBron to go with Maxey and Embiid, we’ve been trying to find the right player that doesn’t need the ball all the time, that can score when needed to, but doesn’t take the ball out of Maxey’s hands,” Fritz continued.
The Sixers may be looking to trade for a weapon this season, but Fritz would rather wait it out and go after LeBron.
“I would rather not trade for a Zach LaVine or whatever at this deadline and wait out for a chance to sign LeBron this offseason. Because I think he’s actually the right fit around these guys,” he said. “You’re telling me he can be the Tobias role? That’s basically what you’re getting in LeBron, and all it takes is drafting Bronny? There needs to be a full-court press of LeBron, come finish your career in Philadelphia. You play with Embiid, you play with Maxey, let’s go win a title.”
Shorr-Parks doesn’t see it the same way, though. Despite being a fan of LeBron, he doesn’t think it’d be the right fit in Philadelphia.
“I like LeBron. I’m not a LeBron hater. I have honestly like no interest in LeBron here,” he said. “I don’t think he’s a fit, number one, because A) Embiid is the top option on offense and I want Maxey to be the primary ballhandler. LeBron has to be the primary ballhandler.
“He’s going to be a spot-up shooter, LeBron? You’re saying he’s going to play the Tobias role, that’s a waste of resources.… LeBron is not going to be a willing side participant. He’s not going to take on a role where he’s the third fiddle on offense.”
Adding one of the best players of all time to a team with a budding star guard and the reigning MVP would give the Sixers a formidable trio in the Eastern Conference.