The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Comparing the Sixers and Lakers as free agent destinations

By Dan Volpone

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia, PA skyscrapers and skyline at sunrise reflect golden light in Delaware River, as seen from Camden, NJ. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/UIG via Getty Images)
Philadelphia, PA skyscrapers and skyline at sunrise reflect golden light in Delaware River, as seen from Camden, NJ. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/UIG via Getty Images) /

City

When it comes to Paul George, this really isn’t a competition. He grew up in California and has long expressed interest in playing for L.A.

For LeBron James, however, this category is a lot closer when we dig deeper.

The Lakers have clear selling points when they try to get LeBron to come to their city. Los Angeles the second largest market in the US and get endless media coverage. There’s a SportsCenter branch already in town. He’d be putting his name among all-time greats with a franchise that’s won 16 titles.

Philly definitely falls behind in these areas. It’s a big (but smaller) city. The Sixers jersey has been donned by many (but fewer) NBA legends. And the franchise has won three (but still 13 less) championships.

LeBron could look at L.A. and decide it’s a perfect fit for his business interests. Hanging out with movie stars in Hollywood may be the life he wants. He could decide bringing one of the NBA’s most storied franchises back to glory is the perfect end to his career.

All that being said, the Sixers still have plenty of points to sell their city on. For starters, Philly is way closer to James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio than L.A. is. Not to mention, Philly falls right between the New York and Washington D.C., the nation’s largest city and its capital, respectively.

Philly also plays in the Eastern Conference, where he has always played and wouldn’t have to face the Warriors until the Finals. Of course, Lebron could be sick of the criticism that he plays in the weaker conference and look to take his talents out West to prove the doubters wrong.

The Lakers will sell Los Angeles as a beautiful city filled with celebrities. The Sixers should sell Philadelphia as blue-collar town with hardcore fans. The contrast is reminiscent of James’ old moves from Cleveland to South Beach and then back to Cleveland.

In the end, LA..’s enormous market gives the Lakers and edge when it comes to free agents, but Philly will have plenty of selling points when July kicks off.

Advantage: Lakers