LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers was surprising and clearly agonizing. It took him nearly a month to make up his mind; he informed the Los Angeles Lakers on June 30 that he wouldn't return. But through his words and sources close to him, the decision was simple.
This doesn't mean it didn't create a lot of questions -- for James, the 76ers and the rest of the NBA.
Let's try to answer as many of them as possible:
Why did James pick Philadelphia?
James said he believes the 76ers are best positioned to win the 2027 NBA title with him joining the team. He said this in a statement on X as he announced his decision: "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time."
It was difficult to interpret what Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul meant when he said in early July that "basketball happiness" was driving James' choice. It could've meant many things, but in the end -- in James' words -- winning immediately is his basketball happiness.
Couldn't he have won immediately with Cleveland?
A case could be made for that outcome. A starting five of James, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen for the Cleveland Cavaliers would have been a powerhouse that rivals what the 76ers can be with James, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid.
Let's again turn to James' statement: "I'm not going for money. I'm not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning."
Money not being a factor was crucial for the Cavs, who, similar to Philly, are capped out. But James' explanation that there was a de-emphasis on family -- again, there were lots of guesses at what "basketball happiness" meant, and some included playing at home -- clearly did not benefit the Cavs.
If the Cavs traded for Brown, would it have made a difference?
The 76ers' acquisition of Brown absolutely made a difference for them. Before that deal, it was unreasonable to believe they'd have made James' top five destinations, much less been his choice. If the Cavs had made that deal, which likely would've taken a package that included Mobley to get the Boston Celtics interested, it would've changed their hand.