1. LeBron James
The 2023 NBA All-Star draft was a telling event. Giannis Antetokounmpo selected Damian Lillard over Jrue Holiday with the number one pick just seven months before the Bucks traded Holiday for Dame. Was there another foreshadowing moment during the event?
When selecting the starters, LeBron James used his first pick on Joel Embiid. Some may write that off as the all-time leading scorer taking the soon-to-be MVP, but it was the first time he selected Embiid in five chances.
King James has a $51.4 million player option to decide on next summer. He moved his family to Los Angeles and appears happy in the city, but could be pulled away. LeBron wants to play with his eldest son if he leaps to the NBA. James could also just decide to chase a ring somewhere. He turns 39 in December and only has a few chances left to get his fifth title.
The Philadelphia 76ers would love to put one of the best to ever do it around Joel Embiid. LeBron James is past his prime, but still elite when on the floor. Tyrese Maxey could help take the playmaking load off the shoulders of James with Embiid being the leading scorer. The Sixers would be title contenders and one of the most talked about teams in the league.
Joel Embiid should already be recruiting the league’s biggest names to join him. Klay Thompson and Paul George could also become free agents. The 76ers need a star to replace James Harden or it could Embiid who is searching for a new home.
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