The Sixer Sense
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Cavs losing to Celtics improves Sixers chances of landing LeBron

By CHRISTIAN KLEMASH

BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers fans should be rooting for Boston if they want the Sixers to sign LeBron James.

One fan’s junk is another fan’s treasure. If the Cavaliers get knocked out by Boston, I have to think that only helps the Sixers’ chances of signing James in the offseason.  As I mentioned in a previous article, all of the most relevant factors, from LeBron’s motivation to location to on-court fit, point to the Philadelphia 76ers signing King James in the offseason.

Losing to the Celtics in the conference finals would only add to that list.  First, in his quest for more rings before retirement, LeBron would have the added motivation of revenge.  And not just revenge against Boston for beating him this year, but revenge against Kyrie Irving, who unceremoniously opted out of Cleveland last year, leaving LeBron in the dust.

I don’t blame Kyrie for wanting to be the main man in Boston, but that doesn’t mean LeBron doesn’t blame him for jumping ship.

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And although you may not view LeBron’s desire to beat Kyrie as enough of a motivation, I’d say that’s underestimating the competitiveness of NBA players.  They’re as competitive with each other as toddlers for a parent’s attention.

Just look at the TNT broadcasts with Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.  Both men have been retired for years, but Shaq never misses an opportunity to throw in Barkley’s face that Sir Charles has zero rings.

Ouch, that hurts.

So, if LeBron is as competitive as I think he is, he’s chasing down as many rings as he can before he hangs up the Nikes.  Add to that pursuit the extra sweetener of showing his former teammate who’s still the king of the hill, and you have an enticing subplot.  Just think of what LeBron vs. Kyrie would do to the revitalized Sixers-Celtics rivalry.  Talk about heightened drama!

Another interesting tidbit for this soap opera is the fact that Boston is the team that sent LeBron packing to Miami in 2010.  After the Cavs finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA and as the top seed in the playoffs, league MVP LeBron and the Cavs were eliminated in the second round by the Paul Pierce-led Celtics, who went on to lose to the Lakers in The Finals that year, 4-3.

Next: Sixers mailbag - Kawhi, PG13 and lottery picks

We’ve had Wilt vs. Russell, Doctor J vs. the Birdman.  I’d love to see The King vs. Kyrie next season.  I’m sure the NBA wouldn’t mind it either.  So here are two words I couldn’t have imagined myself uttering a week ago: Go Boston!