LeBron James has officially ended what he says will be his final period of free agency by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. In the process, he's set himself up to join a star-studded starting lineup with as much top-end talent as any team in the NBA.
For as promising as the 76ers are, James may learn to regret walking away from the Los Angeles Lakers after they rebuilt their roster in a way that would've given him a better shot at a title than Philadelphia.
Los Angeles has made sweeping changes to its rotation. It drafted an explosive 3-and-D wing in Cameron Carr, filled the void at center with elite shot-blocker and offensive rebounder Walker Kessler, and flooded the roster with athletes, shooters, and shot creators.
That may not be quite as eye-opening as having Jaylen Brown, V.J. Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey next to him, but there would've been a greater degree of balance.
In Philadelphia, the 76ers now have four All-NBA players and a riveting up-and-comer in Edgecombe who need the ball in their hands. They also have shot creators in rookie Labaron Philon Jr. and Anfernee Simons who need a significant number of touches, and a simple question that will decide their legitimacy: Can Embiid stay healthy after missing at least 43 games in three straight seasons?
Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, the Lakers have two high-volume scorers and playmakers, and a cast of players who are ideally equipped to support them. The only thing missing: A third option.
Lakers created a balanced roster LeBron could've thrived with
James signed with the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract that includes a player option. In other words: If he were willing to accept a similar salary, he could've returned to the Lakers despite the front office's decision to renounce his cap hold. He would've been joining a deeper roster than what Philadelphia has assembled.
Having already established chemistry with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James would've simply had to figure out how to play next to a supporting cast that's built to complement him.
Walker Kessler is a true interior anchor who could've taken pressure off of James on defense and extended possessions as an offensive rebounder. Quentin Grimes is a catch-and-shoot specialist who's also capable of driving with efficiency and creating for his teammates.
Collin Sexton, meanwhile, is a high-volume scorer and quality playmaker who scores efficiently and isn't afraid of taking tough shots that stars are often overburdened with.
Los Angeles has also assembled a cast of complementary pieces who could've alleviated pressure from James. Sandro Mamukelashvili is an elite three-point shooting big man, Jaden Hardy is a sharpshooting guard with upside, Kevon Looney is a force on the glass with championship experience, and the likes of Carr, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams all bring intensity on defense.
The 76ers may have bigger names and perhaps even a higher ceiling, but even if one were to overlook Embiid's extensive injury history, the Lakers have a more balanced rotation that could've given James a better shot at the title he's dreaming of.
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