LeBron James Free Agency Rumors: Could NBA Star Choose 76ers Over Lakers?

It seems that every four years or so, there is talk about where LeBron James will go in free agency. In 2010, he famously said "I am going to take my talents to South Beach" and then followed it up with "I'm coming home" in a Sports Illustrated article in 2014.

Questions continue to surround where he will end up in 2018. Longtime NBA insider Peter Vecsey stated "unequivocally" that James will leave the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

But on Tuesday, Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today posited that there were hints that James could join the Philadelphia 76ers, fueling possible rumors that he could make a blockbuster move to the City of Brotherly Love.

One hint was praise from James about the Sixers organization.

“The organization has done a great job believing in (head coach) Brett Brown’s system, believing in what he wanted to do and they gave him time,” James said Monday ahead of the Cavs' win over the Sixers.

Another hint was what Zillgitt called a "subtle recruiting pitch" by Sixers guard J.J. Redick. “LeBron, I think, is the greatest player to ever play," Redick said.

Yet another claim was that NBA executives believe Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo will attempt to sign James.

James would indeed be wise to at least entertain the idea of playing for the Sixers. He would be joining a talented young squad that includes Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, he would be staying in the less-competitive Eastern Conference and would almost certainly still earn a very lucrative salary.

Though Philadelphia may have a lot to offer, such hints and observations could be a bit of stretch. While the Sixers can offer a lot of what James wants, it doesn't mean he would actually sign with them. He turns 33 years old next month and may not want to uproot his family's lives for a city he has no tangible connection to just for a shot at another ring.

Los Angeles could be the more appealing destination. The Lakers boast a collection of solid young players and a winning tradition. It's also the home to his production company SpringHill Entertainment and James also owns an estate in the Los Angeles suburb of Brentwood.

There is also the option of staying in Cleveland. By re-signing with the Cavs, James would stay in his home state and commit to an organization that still has enough pieces to compete in the East.