Lebron James To Sixers Gains Traction, Decision Could Be Imminent: Reports

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Lebron James free agency sweepstakes are reaching a fever pitch and the Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as a finalist, if not a favorite, according to a slew of reports and rumors.

The Sixers join two teams Lebron has already won championships with in the past, the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, in the final three.

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Sixers new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey was a high school basketball star at the same time as James and the two shared a mutual respect. Gansey told The Athletic this week that they've had multiple conversations with Lebron's agent, Rich Paul.

“LeBron and his camp have kept quiet, and there has been speculation for different teams," Gansey said in the report. "But we’d obviously love to have LeBron. I respect the heck out of him. In my opinion, he’s the best player of all time. I think his decision is dragging out because he has a lot of good options and he wants to figure it out."

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Discussions with Paul picked up steam after the Sixers shocked the basketball world July 1 with the lopsided Jaylen Brown trade.

James is the perfect fit for the Sixers in multiple ways. He's clearly seeking a team that can win a championship, remain competitive for the next two years, and is in a city with a major basketball culture. He also slots in perfectly in the open spot on the Sixers starting five, a power forward, alongside center Joel Embiid, Brown at shooting forward, and Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecome as guards.

James, 41, is entering his 24th season in the NBA. He is a 22 time All Star, 21 time All NBA selection, four time MVP, four time NBA Finals MVP, and a 4 time NBA Finals champion. Universally acknowledged as one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest, Lebron's addition to the Sixers would make them a favorite to win the NBA Finals in 2027. Philly has already shot up the charts following the Brown deal.

Lebron drew a slew of boos and cheers during a public appearance recently where he said he just wanted to "trust the process." The crowd took it as a hint that he had already chosen Philly. But James was adamant he hadn't yet made his final decision.

"I've been saying trust the process since I was drafted in 2003," James laughed. "I don't even know if Embiid was even born yet."

Lebron's announcement could come at any time. Most observers, and numerous reports citing individuals familiar with his thinking, believe it will be within days.