2: Ben Simmons has to prove himself as a franchise altering talent
If we have learned anything about James, it is that he loves playing with his friends. While Simmons is over a decade younger than him, they have a relationship and have been linked together for years since Simmons first drew comparisons to James in high school. LeBron has praised Simmons countless times and served as a mentor for him through the early stages of his career.
If Simmons can become the electrifying star many believe he has the talent to become, it would go a long way in the recruiting of James, as he would once again be enticed to play along side an elite talent he has a personal connection with. Simmons has already begun flirting with LeBron on social media with a few tweets (shown above) leaving Philly fans wondering what he knows.
Related Story: 5 reasons Ben Simmons has star potential
1: The Sixers need to make the playoffs and prove they are ready to compete
Plain and simple: LeBron is not going to a team who did not make the playoffs and is not ready to compete for a championship. He is currently trying to top the legacy of some guy named Michael Jordan and the only thing Jordan has against LeBron is titles. James is on pace to top Jordan in most personal statistics, but in trophies, LeBron has some catching up to do. If the Sixers young core can show they are a LeBron away from being title contenders it makes Philadelphia an intriguing landing spot for the King.
In reality, the Sixers are still a long-shot to bring in James. While it is hard to tell his truthful thoughts on his impending free agency, if he leaves Cleveland he most likely wants to go somewhere with a bunch of proven veterans more prepared to win immediately, somewhere with nicer weather, or somewhere he can expand his brand largely.
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My advice to Sixers fans: for now, do not worry about LeBron James. Enjoy the fantastic young core we have in place and watch them grow this season. LeBron will be focused on Cleveland for the time being, but if things play out a certain way he juuuust may be back in the free agency market next summer. Again, stay focused on us, but be on the lookout, because if any right combination of these five things happen the Sixers could quickly become legit players in the third issue of LeBron’s free agency sweepstakes.