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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CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Culture

Both teams will be likely to use their culture in their pitch to free agents, but which team has the edge?

The Sixers will sell themselves on head coach Brett Brown‘s emphasis on hard work. They’ll talk about how the team preaches effort on defense and how players constantly push each other to get better.

When recruiting LeBron, Philadelphia should point to his friendship with Ben Simmons, who hinted at joining forces in this Instagram post captioned with the start time of free agency.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfWN3RgnRUk/?taken-by=bensimmons

Finally, the Sixers will highlight their tight-knit group that always seems to be having fun on the court. These points would all be positive changes from what Lebron went through in Cleveland to start this season.

Of course the Lakers will point to their own culture as a reason for free agents to come. The team is run by five-time NBA Champion Magic Johnson. The franchise has a history of winning, and they’re always willing to spend big to build the best team possible.

One thing the Lakers’ will try to downplay as much as possible is Lavar Ball, Lonzo’s father. Lavar has been very outspoken when it comes to criticizing head coach Luke Walton, and he’s constantly been a distraction with things he says to the media.

LeBron James is an extremely intelligent businessman who loves being the center of attention. I doubt he’d be amused by Lavar Ball, who runs an unsuccessful shoe brand and moved his kids to Lithuania just to stay in the spotlight.

Lavar’s antics definitely has a negative impact on the team culture and gives the Sixers an edge in free agency.

Advantage: Sixers

Verdict

While the Sixers have the upper hand in two out of these three categories, there’s no way of knowing exactly what a particular player values most. There’s always the chance James and George want to stay where they are or join a different top team. Maybe the Lakers and Sixers aren’t even being considered.

Even if both teams are considered, Lebron’s decision could come down to something as unpredictable as where he wants his son Bronny to go to high school.

Next: 10 must-have Allen Iverson items

Still, I’d rather be the Sixers than the Lakers heading into free agency.