The Sixer Sense
Fansided

The 5 biggest elements in the potential LeBron to Philadelphia recruiting

By Brian Bachman

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms-up before taking on the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms-up before taking on the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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STOCKTON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 27: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during practice at Stockton University on September 27, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant NBAE via Getty Images)
STOCKTON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 27: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during practice at Stockton University on September 27, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant NBAE via Getty Images) /

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.

Next: Would you trade for LeBron James?

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.