Joel Embiid literally tweeted this into existence.
“@KingJames hey bro hope you’re having a good day…… Want to join us in philly?? Peace”, the big man tweeted on the 1st of July, back in 2014, before The King went home.
“We Almost got Lebron 2 years ago,” the MVP added about another one, May 30th, 2016.
Another two years later (on July 1st no less), Joel even got a little salty when LeBron went to Lakerland, typing out that “The Lakers are FOREVER gonna be Kobe’s and Magic’s team…Process that.”
Well…process this.
After eight years in the purple and gold, and heading into Year 24, LeBron James has just made his last decision. To trust the process and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Forging the ultimate famous five of a sensational, and straight scary, super-team.
The hours are upon us. No matter what Drake says.
On the 24th day of the month, in the 81st NBA season, for the city that Kobe Bryant was born in.
Coincidence or meant?
Although this long-awaited and eagerly anticipated ‘Decision 2’, with no TV special, is now old news. Forgive us, we were in Tokyo checking out the NBA’s 3X presented by New Balance, and the bow and ‘Blue Arrow’ of a man who knows how to shoot down the King, Canadian Nugget Jamal Murray.
Not to mention the 30th anniversary WNBA All-star weekend festivities.
Now ‘Bron is getting his big back after the Lake Show traded his right-hand man Anthony Davis for his legacy replacement, Luka Dončić.
Some in purple and gold need to have more respect, and maybe something in the rafters, too. The Bubble championship was a lot harder than people give credit for, and the very first NBA Cup win is nothing to sniff at either. Breaking Kareem’s all-time scoring record and making NBA history with his son was also special.
Not to mention that, apart from the fact that the kid from Akron had two separate stints in Ohio, Los Angeles will remain his longest, consecutive run with one franchise.
After James and his gang of fans told the Lakers that his Hollywood franchise story was coming to an end, the NBA free agency, and Adam Silver scheduling, had been put on indefinite hold for the summer, as there was a collective constant refreshing of Shams social media accounts by fans and general managers alike.
There were said to be nostalgic reunions with The Land and the South Beach that once held the King’s talents. But Cleveland, this wasn’t for you and whoever posted that ‘LeBron James Introductory Press Conference’ video on the Miami Heat’s official YouTube channel is definitely looking for a new job now. There will be not Heatles, big-three 2 with new addition Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mr. 83, Bam Adebayo playing Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Not even a Paris Olympics reunion with Steph Curry in Golden State, which would have kept the King in California and with another close friend in Draymond Green.
Instead, it’s the city of Bron-erly love, as everyone in Pennsylvania is running up those ‘Rocky’ steps and jumping up and down like Sly Stallone.
Wilt. Dr. J. Moses. Chuck and Bubba Chuck (who is absolutely loving this on X), the Sixers have just added another NBA icon to the process that is more than just “fo, fo, fo.”
Now one of the most famous franchises could be one of the most storied.
After being the third option last season in LA, behind Luka and Austin Reaves (who now has the Hollywood bag), LeBron might not even be the fourth one here.
Of course, there’s big Embiid, but right now, the max player in Philly is Tyrese Maxey. Forming one hell of a backcourt with set to be sophomore sensation VJ Edgecombe (recreating a classic, viral ‘Bron social media post come meme to celebrate this occasion). And then there’s former Celtic rival Jaylen Brown, who the Sixers just gave Paul George up for. A star Hollywood wanted before the King of court ceremonies.
Brown and ‘Bron in the same Sixer offseason, without Philly giving up their two biggest stars, or their young future. And you though Dončić for Davis was a steal.
Sure, they will claim the King is ring chasing (“win a ring for the King”, former teammate Shaq disagrees), but $8 mill (the number eight again) for two years on the veteran’s minimum gives the process even more trust. And to think they called LeBron selfish. Mind his game, like the catchphrase hint on his live podcast with Tyrese Haliburton (with his own recruiting and revealing tactics) at Fanatics fest. Maybe we weren’t familiar with it. Now the Sixers have even more spending power (is AD, or even Bronny, on the way?).
Although it’s not like they need it. Who’s matching this starting five, position for position? And if that wasn’t enough, your new ‘Sixth Man of the Year’ candidate Anfernee Simons and Dean (not Dwyane) Wade lead a capable bench mob. One that will be joined by Bron’s former Bubble running mate, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Just released by the Memphis Grizzlies, ready to clear waivers.
Yet it’s been a sensational summer of signings. Especially in the East, that’s a different beast. Pending the Kawhi Leonard investigation, we have so many big names on the back of more new jerseys than the Brooklyn Nets’ old home in the Meadowlands.
And if that wasn’t enough, now the LeBron sweepstakes are over, we still have James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozan, Draymond Green (imagine), a restricted Jalen Duren, the Lakers target of Jonathan Kuminga, LeBron’s old Cavalier running mate Kevin Love, and many more remain on the board.
Expect them to get snapped up, right quick, now the biggest catch has been reeled in by a franchise that won’t be fishing after the first round anymore.
The process of elimination has a crowning glory in the mix now, but you can trust that the 76ers still have to get past the Knicks in five.
