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The LeBron James free agency saga continues. It’s now approaching a month since the NBA’s biggest star announced his decision to leave Los Angeles.
The feeling around the league and from what’s being reported is that there are four teams with a real shot. The Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors.
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All four teams have great cases to land James. For the Cavaliers, it’s the homecoming, a storybook ending to a career that started there.
The Heat also have familiarity with James, as he won two titles there. Miami also is trying to win now after adding Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The 76ers didn’t really have a chance until Jaylen Brown landed there. Philadelphia now could be the best option to actually win a title.
All those teams are viable suitors, but one NBA analyst thinks the perfect team for James is out west.
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Bill Simmons tells Rich Paul that LeBron James should join the Warriors
Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; Rich Paul looks on in the second half between France and the United States in the women’s gold medal game. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
On the Ringers’ Game Over podcast, hosted by Max Kellerman and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, Bill Simmons made a surprise appearance.
Obviously, with the World Cup concluding, the biggest story in sports is where LeBron James will end up. Rich Paul definitely has more knowledge than anyone on James’ decision. Since that’s the case, Simmons wasn’t shy about pleading with Paul for James to end up in Golden State.
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“Why wouldn’t LeBron go to Golden State? Honestly, that’s what everyone wants. Literally, if you did a poll, it would be 97%; everyone wants it.”
Golden State is the most fun option, but…
Oct 15, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Simmons isn’t wrong to want James to unite with Stephen Curry. It’d be box office, and more than half their games would be on national TV.
The counter to the Golden State argument is that there’s no chance they win an NBA title at all. At best, the Warriors would be a fun regular season story and then get bounced in the first round.
If James is prioritizing winning, getting out of the Western Conference is the way to go. There’s no dealing with the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs right now.
