RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesLeBron James - Image © Imagn Images
LeBron James could have had the chance to make $16 million more than he will make next season and stay put in Los Angeles with his family. However, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin’s bombshell report on Wednesday, James let go of that chance by rejecting the LA Clippers, who were willing to offer him a lucrative one-year deal worth at least $20 million.
“The LA Clippers even discussed a lucrative one-season contract north of $20 million that would allow him to stay at his Brentwood, California, home, sources said,” McMenamin wrote .
James will earn roughly $4 million next year after signing a two-year $8 million contract with the 76ers. Not only that, he will live away from his family for most of the year, apart from trips to California while facing the Pacific Division teams on the road.
Joining the Clippers would have also been detrimental to his legacy in Los Angeles, given that he had spent eight years with their biggest rivals. Moreover, the Clippers weren’t among championship contenders. Competing for a title was James’ No. 1 priority, as suggested by his decision to join the 76ers.
“This is my last decision,” James said on X after announcing his decision to join the Sixers.
“I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind.
“I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship. I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
All But Three Teams Inquired About LeBron James: Dave McMenamin
If there was any doubt about LeBron James being the most lucrative free agent on the market, Dave McMenamin’s report will put that to bed. According to the ESPN reporter, 27 teams inquired about James. The final list was down to five teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“WHAT STARTED WITH James’ longtime friend and agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, having conversations with 27 teams, as he told ESPN, and then whittling them to a final five — the 76ers, Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves — ended with the veteran with the ball in his hands looking for the last shot to cap an already Hall of Fame career,” McMenamin wrote.
Along with the LA Clippers, the Boston Celtics were another surprise team among his suitors, despite the slim chance of James even considering joining them. James battled several Boston teams over the years in the Eastern Conference for 15 of his 23 seasons.
“There were surprising suitors along the way,” McMenamin added. “The Boston Celtics, James’ consistent nemesis through the years, expressed interest, sources told ESPN.”
James will get to renew his rivalry with several teams in his return to the East. That list will include the Pacers, Knicks, Celtics, and Raptors, with whom he had some of his most memorable playoff matchups.
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