The Philadelphia 76ers are believed to remain a strong contender for LeBron James. However, a recent report pointing to a desired trade for one of his previous co-stars as a prerequisite for current bidders created some doubt about that belief. Fortunately, ESPN's Shams Charania debunked that rumor, stating that the superstar's camp is not waiting for an Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving trade to happen before he makes his monumental decision.
Of course, the suggestion that the 76ers should first strike a deal for Davis or for Irving, two of James' championship-winning co-stars, was basically a dagger to the heart. Philly is not well-equipped to make those kinds of trades. With this latest Shams update, they should now be deemed on equal footing with the other known finalists.
Latest Shams update on LeBron is music to the ears of the 76ers
Shams explained that aside from the 76ers, the Cavaliers, Heat, Warriors, and Timberwolves are the other squads under consideration for James and his camp, whose decision will be made on the basis of "happiness, the chance to contend for a championship, and joining a culture."
Obviously, the 76ers benefit greatly if LeBron is indeed not taking into consideration any prior and successful trades for his co-stars. After all, aside from the fact that they do not have realistic frameworks to pull those off, they also wouldn't have to take on two players with recent injury woes.
76ers still have a chance in the LeBron race that is dragging on
Now, Philly can rest assured that their chances at LeBron have not been watered down. No one knows at this juncture when he will announce his decision, although there are rumors that he had already handpicked a team but kept quiet on the announcement due to annoyance at Adam Silver reportedly pressuring him to do it at the soonest possible time.
Be that as it may, the 76ers still present a very compelling case as James' next and possibly final landing spot. They had revamped the roster significantly with the arrival of Jaylen Brown and the additions of Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons. As currently constructed, they have the most talented foursome in the league and are considered one of the title favorites on paper.
All the 76ers can do now is to sit back and watch the quiet developments as LeBron James nears his landscape-altering decision with them under serious consideration.
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