Lakers’ potential misstep could lead LeBron James to the 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have zero plans to be modest this offseason. Their reported pursuit of LeBron James, undoubtedly the best player set to hit free agency, is a massive testament to Daryl Morey and co.’s quest to form the most jampacked and talented roster possible for their championship bid in the following years.

Realistically speaking though, it’s unlikely that James would find himself repping Philly next season. The Lakers are the Lakers, and it makes little sense for one of the greatest basketball players ever to leave such a prestigious franchise that seems very amenable to meeting all of his demands, especially late in his career.

Having said that, Los Angeles’ potential misstep has a slim chance of forcing him out of Hollywood, and possibly into the City of Brotherly Love.

Lakers’ misstep could lead LeBron James to the 76ers

LA shook nearly everyone when it was initially bared that they were zeroing in on JJ Redick to become their next man on the sidelines and replace the much-maligned Darvin Ham. However, things quickly 180’d as Adrian Wojnarowski recently revealed that the Lakers were aggressively pursuing Dan Hurley to be their head coach, with an agreement almost inevitable at this rate.

Redick, who has a very good relationship with James and even co-hosts a well-acclaimed podcast with him, seemed like an optimal choice for the job. While boasting no coaching experience at any level, he knew the game well as a longtime veteran in the league, and he’s known for being an advocate for player empowerment.

LeBron has always favored young coaches who allowed him considerable leeway with manning the floor and leading the team, but it’s now uncertain whether Hurley, the tactician from UConn who led the team to back-to-back NCAA titles, has the makings and stylings of a “LeBron-guy”.

Ultimately, James is still a free agent and is free to decide his fate. Philadelphia, already touting a core with championship potential, has the prestige value and the money to lure him into leaving the Lakers. A James-Embiid-Maxey troika would instantly climb the East’s pecking order.

LeBron remains an admittedly imperfect fit within the 76ers’ dynamic, but there’s no denying that he’s still a top-10 player in the NBA despite being on his last legs. Depending on what unfolds with the Lakers’ coaching brouhaha, Philadelphia could be in line to house yet another all-time great to boost their title bid.