Do the Philadelphia 76ers really have a shot?
Following the announcement he wouldn’t re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA legend LeBron James has made it clear to teams that he would consider signing with a franchise that best fit his needs.
What those are aren’t exactly clear, but the Sixers are reportedly one of the teams in the mix for James’ services for the upcoming 2026-2027 NBA season — and possibly beyond.
See where the Sixers currently stand among James’ suitors.
Lebron James’ next team odds
As of July 14, the Sixers ranked among the top possible teams to sign the all-time NBA leading scorer, according to prediction market Kalshi.
Here’s where they rank as of 12:25 p.m. ET July 14:
- Cleveland Cavaliers 45% (up 3%)
- Golden State Warriors 30% (up 8%)
- Miami Heat 15% (down 7%)
- Philadelphia 76ers 7 (down 3%)
- Minnesota Timberwolves 3 (up 1%)
Here’s the breakdown of James’ current odds of signing, according to market prediction site Polymarket:
- Cleveland Cavaliers 45% (up 4%)
- Golden State Warriors 29% (up3%)
- Miami Heat 15% (down 2%)
- Philadelphia 76ers 7 (up 5%)
- Minnesota Timberwolves 3%
Where is LeBron James going to play next year?
While most believe James will return to his hometown Cleveland to close out his career, there’s a chance a he turns down a third reunion with the Cavs and signs elsewhere.
Recently, James’ agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports discussed a number of teams his client was considering on his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman.
On a white board, Paul and Kellerman went through the pros of James signing with each team and their starting rosters. The list included:
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Miami Heat
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Denver Nuggets
- Golden State Warriors
- San Antonio Spurs
- New Yew Knicks
- Dallas Mavericks
- Boston Celtics
According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, those teams seemed to have been cut down to the Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers and Warriors.
Charania said executives for interested teams have been sending voice notes to Paul, who passed them along to James.
Shams Charania: “Some of the leading suitors…have been able to send a voice note to LeBron James via Rich Paul. Whether it’s an owner, a president or a general manager being able to record a voice note”
LeBron recruitment is really heating up… pic.twitter.com/RRmWQzO1Ee
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 9, 2026
When will LeBron make his decision?
While appearing on his Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said James has been speaking to players of interested teams.
“Bunch of the owners are there and chatting,” Windhorst said. “Some of the owners who are trying to get LeBron were talking to each other and were like ‘have you heard anything? Nope. Have you heard anything? Nope.’ LeBron is reaching out and talking to players on some of these teams and they report back to their Gm or coach ‘hey, LeBron called.’”
Meanwhile, NBA correspondent Marc Stein reported this week that it appears that it’s likely James returns to Cleveland.
“A third (and bow-tying) marriage with the Cleveland Cavaliers continues to be regarded as ‘the scenario to beat’ by the the teams pursuing James that have been most frequently mentioned: Golden State, Miami, Philadelphia, Minnesota and Denver,” Stein said. “To beat. Not necessarily unbeatable. Now is this the week we conclusively learn whether someone can beat out Cleveland?”
Other reports state that the race is likely down to Cleveland and Golden State.
LeBron James and Embiid not a mix?
Despite reports the Sixers are on a shortlist of possible James suitors, his fit with Philly might not work with Embiid on the team, according a July 13 report by Brandon “B Scoop” Robinson.
“While LeBron has seriously considered Philadelphia, the fit alongside Embiid remains a massive, unresolved concern,” the report stated. “In fact, whispers out of Philly indicate that if the 76ers want to secure LeBron, the pairing with Embiid is a non-starter; the preference would be to avoid playing them together entirely.
“James harbors deep concerns regarding Embiid’s long-term health and declining mobility for an arduous championship run.”
LeBron James Sixers rumors; Jaylen Brown recruits LBJ
Fueling rumors that LeBron is seriously considering signing with Philly was on appearance on “Game Over” last week by Bob Meyer, president of sports of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment group, which owns the Sixers.
Meyers made his pitch for the Sixers including his relationship with some of the players including all-star guard Tyrese Maxey — another Klutch client.
“If he was here, I’d say I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. … If it’s about winning, this is your team. You can win in Philadelphia,” Meyers said on the podcast.
Meanwhile, newly acquired 76er Jaylen Brown made his pitch for James with Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as online influencer IShowSpeed or Speed, while at the France-Moroco World Cup James on July 9.
“You gotta tell LeBron he gotta pull up, man. Pull up to Philly,” Brown said to IShowSpeed, a Cleveland native.
“LeBron, pull up to Philly,” Speed says next to Jaylen Brown pic.twitter.com/5idN0uWEEg
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 9, 2026
Eagles RB Saquon Barkley makes his Philly pitch to LeBron
The 76ers organization isn’t the only team in Philly courting James.
On July 9, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was asked about what he’d say to James about playing in Philly.
“I think it is one of the greatest sports towns in the world,” Barkley said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I know (New York Knicks forward) Josh Hart said the opposite. I saw that today on Twitter. But I have to disagree with him. If you want to go out with a bang, I feel like a great spot would be in Philly, and bringing a championship to Philadelphia, you’d be remembered forever.”
Hey @KingJames
Saquon Barkley makes his pitch to bring LeBron James to Philly pic.twitter.com/4lY5AMq1Mh
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 9, 2026
Potential Sixers starting lineup with LeBron James
If James were to sign with Philadelphia, the Sixers would potentially have one of the most talented starting lineups in the NBA. Here’s what it might look it:
Sixers potential starting lineup
- Joel Embiid, C
- LeBron James, PF
- Jaylon Brown, SF
- V.J. Edgecombe, G
- Tyrese Maxey, G
Sixers bench
- Labaron Philon Jr., G
- Anfernee Simons, G
- Dean Wade, F
- Justin Edwards, F
- Dominick Barlow, F
- Adem Bona, C
- Ariel Hukporti, C
- Jabari Walker, F
- Dalen Terry, G
- Johni Broome, F
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When will LeBron make his decision? Lebron James next team odds
