On June 30, Lebron James announced his intention to enter ‘free agency’ and move on from his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. James finalized his departure almost a month later; signing a 2-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 26. This move came as a shock to many, as James had been very vocal about wanting to play with his sons Bronny and Bryce James, a dream which would’ve been most achievable as a member of the Lakers.
Many fans continued to question why James signed with the 76ers over teams such as the Golden State Warriors, a team in which he has shown public interest in joining, or the Cleveland Cavaliers, for one final season with his hometown team. While it hasn’t been publicly confirmed by James, many news outlets, and those close to James, have reported he joined the 76ers to play competitive basketball in hope of acquiring a fifth NBA championship. The 76ers have quietly built a superteam with the acquisition of star forward Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, and the retention of key players Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
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This isn’t the first time James has jumped ship to a superteam in hopes of winning a championship; drawing comparisons to his now infamous 2010 decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers in favor of the Miami Heat to team up with stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for better championship odds. The move to Miami faced backlash for years among NBA fans, especially Cavaliers fans. Despite the high levels of backlash, the Heat were able to make the Finals four years in a row, winning two. Lebron was able to save his reputation after leaving the Heat for a reunion with the Cavaliers, a reunion which led to four straight finals appearances and one championship.
Instead of joining another superteam, James decided to build his own after leaving the Cavaliers for a second time after the 2018 season. He left to join a young, but struggling Los Angeles Lakers. In the 2018-19 season the Lakers missed the playoffs, leading Lebron to go all in for the 2019-20 season, pressuring the Lakers’ front office to acquire Pelicans’ forward Anthony Davis. This move would lead to a championship in 2020, but wouldn’t last, as Davis struggled with injuries and was later traded for Luka Doncic. The acquisition of Doncic was thought to continue the Lakers status as a superteam, but injuries derailed what had looked to be strong seasons, leaving major question marks surrounding their future, and abilities to win future championships.
Article by Luke Zamberlan