Fansided

LeBron opens the door for the Sixers, sends his people to a meeting

By Jeremy Lambert

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 1: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk after the game on March 1, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 1: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk after the game on March 1, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LeBron James is taking meetings after all. And the Philadelphia 76ers are making a late charge for his services.

Hold the phone, everyone. LeBron James to Los Angeles might not be the foregone conclusion many thought it would be last night. In a new report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Philadelphia 76ers will meet with LeBron’s people on Sunday.

Let’s make this clear. Philadelphia is only meeting with LeBron’s agent and representatives. James himself is not scheduled to be in attendance.

This is still huge news as it looked all but certain that James was down to Los Angeles or Cleveland when free agency opened at midnight. The Sixers still have a max slot to offer LeBron. Along with the finances to make the deal happen, they offer him the best chance to compete. With Paul George staying in Oklahoma City and Kawhi Leonard still in San Antonio, LeBron doesn’t have a worthy Best Supporting Superstar joining him in Los Angeles. Philadelphia, who finished third in the East last season, can give him reigning Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons and All-NBA talent Joel Embiid.

LeBron’s motives at this stage of his career are unknown. Cleveland still makes the most sense if he wants to remain at home, playing in front of fans who treat him like The King. Los Angeles gives him the best opportunity to start thinking about life beyond basketball. But if he wants to add another ring or two to his collection, Philadelphia should be at the top of his list. He’d be surrounded by a better core than the Lakers and he’d remain in the East.

Despite what many had assumed, the NBA world didn’t come to a screeching halt at midnight as everyone waited for LeBron. Now, it looks like he’s ready to move forward as well.

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