LeBron James had the opportunity to remain in Los Angeles, but he ultimately passed on the chance before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Wednesday, James’ free agency process began with Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, holding discussions with 27 teams before narrowing the field to five finalists: the 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. McMenamin also reported that several unexpected franchises explored the possibility of signing the four-time NBA champion, including the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers’ proposal was particularly notable because it would have allowed James to remain in Southern California. ESPN reported that Los Angeles discussed offering James a one-year contract worth more than $20 million, enabling him to continue living at his Brentwood home while finishing his career with the Lakers’ crosstown rival.
Despite that opportunity, James chose Philadelphia, where he joins a roster that has undergone a dramatic overhaul following the 2025-26 season.
The 76ers finished 45-37 last season, earning the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed before defeating the Boston Celtics in a seven-game first-round series. Their playoff run ended in the conference semifinals, where they were swept 4-0 by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia in scoring with 28.3 points and 6.6 assists per game during the regular season while earning All-NBA Third Team honors. Joel Embiid appeared in just 38 games because of injuries but still averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Philadelphia has since reshaped its roster around a championship push. The franchise acquired Jaylen Brown from the Celtics in exchange for Paul George and draft compensation, giving the team a new star trio of Brown, Embiid and Maxey before adding James in free agency.
The Clippers, meanwhile, were also entering a new era. They finished 42-40 last season and reached the Western Conference Play-In Tournament behind Kawhi Leonard, who averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists while earning All-NBA Second Team honors. Darius Garland added 19.9 points and 6.4 assists in 19 appearances after arriving in a midseason trade.
However, Los Angeles pivoted toward a long-term rebuild shortly after the season. The franchise traded Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks, while continuing to build around Garland and a younger core that also includes Bennedict Mathurin and 2026 No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler.
