The Sixer Sense
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Could the Cavs’ struggles push LeBron to the Sixers?

By Christopher Kline

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a missed basket while playing the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 98-95 to take a 3-2 series lead. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a missed basket while playing the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 98-95 to take a 3-2 series lead. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The possibility of LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers seems to be gaining steam.

Perhaps the biggest storyline of the first round has been the Cleveland Cavaliers’ struggles.

Even with a couple of all-time performances from LeBron James, the Cavs have barely squeaked out a 3-2 series lead against a tough Pacers squad. The chances of Indy pulling off the upset seem slim, but the Cavs’ prospects for the remainder of the playoffs are uncertain.

Many are dubbing the Philadelphia 76ers favorites in the East, while Toronto (or Washington, but probably Toronto) should provide a more-than-solid second round test. I would put my money on a Sixers vs. Cavs conference finals, but the presumed winner in that series is far from certain.

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Of course, the Cavs’ struggles are going to generate a lot of conversation around LeBron’s impending free agency. From his poor relationship with owner Dan Gilbert to the Cavs’ lackluster roster, the chances of James leaving seem increasingly high.

The Sixers have been rumored as one of James’ potential destinations for a while, but those rumors seem to be gaining stream. According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, folks in Philadelphia’s front office have growing confidence that they can lure the King this summer.

The only question: Why not?

Whether it be staying in the East or joining up with his Klutch Sports buddy Ben Simmons, there are plenty of reasons for LeBron to make his way to Philly. They’d give him a clear path to the NBA Finals while surrounding him with far more talent than he currently has in Cleveland.

Ties to home and the major marketing advantages of L.A. could push LeBron in several directions, and that’s understandable. A player of his magnitude joining the Lakers would make a major dent in the history books. He might not want to leave Cleveland again.

But, from a basketball standpoint, the Sixers make more sense for LeBron than just about any other team.

It’d be interesting to see how he and Simmons co-exist, but two high-I.Q. guys of their caliber should be able to figure things out.

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James hasn’t been part of an elite defensive team during his second stint with Cleveland either. Joel Embiid would be the best defensive anchor James has ever played with, while Simmons and Robert Covington give Brett Brown two elite, switch-heavy defenders to place next to the world’s best player.

Oh, and the J.J. Redick–Marco Belinelli duo — assuming they come back on reduced contracts — would have a field day playing next to both James and Simmons.

Another potential incentive to joining Philly is rest. James, at 33 years of age, led the league in minutes on a Cavaliers squad that desperately needed his presence to win games. The Sixers could afford to let him take extended breaks while Simmons runs the show.

If wouldn’t surprise me if Simmons — not LeBron — was the Sixers’ leader in minutes per game.

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How the rest of the postseason plays out could go a long way in determining where James heads in July. It seems highly likely, though, that the Sixers will at least be on his short list.