Not even a former teammate of LeBron James can be one hundred percent sure about where the former Los Angeles Lakers star lands in NBA free agency this summer.
However, former Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers is confident that LeBron will return to the Eastern Conference. Considering the Golden State Warriors are one of the Philadelphia 76ers' biggest competitors in the market for LeBron, that's a positive sign for Philly.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been viewed as the favorites lately, but Chalmers is taking more stock in his former team and the Sixers.
Discussing the state of LeBron's free agency with Mark Medina, Chalmers reveals his two top choices would be the Heat and the 76ers for different reasons. Hear it from a former pro to understand why the 76ers make plenty of sense for the superstar forward.
The Sixers are in win-now mode
"With Philly, I see him fitting perfectly with Jaylen Brown, [Tyrese] Maxey, and [Joel] Embiid," Chalmers told Medina, via Fadeawayworld.
"You have a 'Big 4' there. 'Bron can play in that 3 or 4 position and also take Maxey off the ball. That will help him grow and become a better scorer, better player, and better playmaker."
Some takes have conflicted, but Chalmers' point is valid. The only thing the Sixers' starting five is missing is another starting forward.
That starting five not only has plenty of talent already, but it would feel complete with James in the frontcourt.
While Maxey has been a serviceable playmaker who is getting better at playing on the ball, the two-time All-Star entered the NBA with his true position being at shooting guard. He thrived alongside a veteran point guard when James Harden was running the offense.
Being one of the most versatile players in the game, LeBron can give the Sixers different looks, with Maxey playing off the ball some in 2026-2027. Last season, James' position with the Lakers was small forward, yet he averaged 7.2 assists per game.
Maxey served as the starting point guard for the Sixers and produced 6.6 points per game. LeBron would simply give the 76ers more flexibility.
On the other hand, Chalmers noted that LeBron could be a starting point guard for the Heat, but he could only picture them as a better fit if they add a "couple more pieces."
"I feel like Philly is a win-win right now," Chalmers said.
If LeBron is looking to increase his role at age 41, then the Miami situation might be intriguing. If the veteran is truly looking to serve as a complementary piece, the Sixers have enough on board to take some work off LeBron's plate.
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