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76ers' biggest LeBron James payoff is not what fans actually think

This is one underrated area where LeBron could instantly help Philly.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on May 9, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on May 9, 2026. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Philadelphia 76ers technically do not need any more infusion of elite talent, given that their revamped core is already among the best in the league. However, if LeBron James is on the other side of the panel, a greedy approach is simply justifiable. More importantly, the superstar could actually help the team in one critical department that not a lot of people are talking about: size at the forward position.

Everyone is focusing on the massive playmaking boost the 76ers would get from signing James. His clutch gene is another aspect that makes him a very worthwhile target. Sure, one could argue that those contributions would be felt with more immediacy, but Philly is actually pretty thin at forward as currently constructed. Getting LeBron would instantly solve that.

LeBron James would instantly give the 76ers some much-needed size

James may be 41 years old entering the 2026-27 season, but not a single soul is oblivious to the fact that he has already beaten Father Time convincingly. The King is still a wrecking ball of athleticism and physicality –– traits the 76ers have simply lost from their forward rotation this offseason after the departures of both Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Right now, the 76ers are banking on Dean Wade as their lone natural forward in their projected rotation. Jaylen Brown is a makeshift forward who is a wing in essence, yet he will likely start at the three. Outside of those two, the team does not really have a firm depth piece at the three and four.

James, who can basically play any position effectively, will likely be the starting power forward for the 76ers if he ends up picking the team as his next and possibly final destination. As a result, that would likely lead to Wade playing off the bench, which is obviously a good thing for depth purposes.

LeBron could be the shot in the arm the 76ers need

Clearly, the 76ers would enjoy a lot of perks that are actually needed if they manage to successfully lure James to Philly. Sure, the glitz and glamor that comes with getting someone of his caliber is appealing, but the actual fit on the hardwood simply makes too much sense for both parties.

Size has been something lacking from the 76ers in recent years, and if they cannot fix it, they will remain vulnerable against more physically imposing squads. Getting LeBron would be a quick fix to that quandary. Currently, they remain on wait-and-see mode to see if the stars will align to that effect.

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