As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, all signs point to LeBron James re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers and finishing his career in the City of Angels. However, with Bronny James set to enter the 2024 NBA Draft, buzz persists about teams looking to draft James’ son to attract the legendary point forward. James has expressed his desire to play with his son on multiple occasions.
Despite Bronny’s repeated statements that he doesn’t care about playing with his dad, the speculation continues. Teams are pondering the merit of targeting LeBron’s kid in a weak draft.
James is a free agent, and the Lakers have repeatedly failed him since their 2020 championship run. With a new head coach on the horizon, James is not consulting with the front office, which seems uncharacteristic for him. His attendance at a Cavs postseason game has fueled conspiracy theories that it’s a veiled threat aimed at the Lakers.
The Philadelphia 76ers as a Dark Horse
If James decides to leave, which is highly unlikely, few teams are better positioned to target him than the Philadelphia 76ers. James will end up where he wants, and teams like the New York Knicks or the Miami Heat can work out a sign-and-trade if he picks them. James controls his destiny.
The Sixers are equipped with roughly $60 million in cap space, enough to sign James outright. This postseason was a clear warning to teams embracing the ‘superteam’ concept with three expensive megastars.
Tyrese Maxey is due for his rookie-scale max extension, so the Sixers would get very expensive quickly between Embiid, James, and Maxey. The new collective bargaining agreement restricts what teams can spend or trade after a certain tax threshold.
One could argue that Philadelphia is better off surrounding Embiid and Maxey with high-level role players. However, this is LeBron James. If Daryl Morey can put LeBron next to the MVP and the league’s brightest under-25 guard, he will.
Skepticism Around the LeBron James-Bronny James Pairing
As Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer laid out, there is reason for skepticism. The genesis of Pompey’s report is simple. He’s asking the question circling the brain of every Sixers fan ahead of the 2024 draft: will Morey draft Bronny to worm his way into the LeBron sweepstakes?”The Sixers could elect to select [Bronny James] higher than expected with the hope of getting his father.
On the surface, it’s easy to say do it with quickness. That’s because this is viewed as one of the weakest drafts in decades. The Sixers might as well use the pick to help secure one of the most recognizable players in any sport.”
It’s one thing for the Utah Jazz to select Bronny at No. 32 because LeBron isn’t going to Salt Lake City. The Sixers adding Bronny would have to appeal to James Sr. on some level, as Philadelphia is a LeBron-sized piece away from emerging as favorites in the Eastern Conference.
James would still occupy a top-five market with two bona fide co-stars and a chance to win in the far less competitive East. Factor his son into the equation, and the Sixers become a tantalizing option, assuming James will even consider leaving for a superior team. James has deep business roots in LA.
As Pompey points out, the Klutch Pro Day — where Bronny will showcase his talents in a workout setting — is being held at the Lakers’ training facility.
The Echoes of 2018 Free Agency
This saga eerily echoes the 2018 free agency period when James used the Sixers’ interest as leverage to obtain his desired contract from the Lakers. LeBron was reportedly prepared to meet with Philadelphia, only to spurn the Sixers and send Rich Paul in his place. If the Sixers get involved in any serious way, heartbreak feels like the only logical outcome.
That won’t prevent Philadelphia from getting involved if there’s even the slightest glimmer of hope. Morey loves to hunt big games in the offseason, and LeBron is a singular basketball force, not to mention a serious financial boon to whichever franchise he plays for.
Pompey does not doubt that the Sixers would “love” to put James next to Embiid and Maxey.“They would love to add LeBron James to their All-Star tandem of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers believe Embiid and Maxey will have them well-positioned to be next season’s second-best team in the Eastern Conference behind the Boston Celtics.”
The Sixers are well-positioned to take a step forward in the East if all goes to plan. However, the uncertainty of this offseason is palpable. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Ricky Council IV are the only Sixers with a semi-guaranteed spot on next season’s roster. There is plenty of room for this offseason to go south if Philadelphia can’t land its desired targets.
