Bob Myers is all in on LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.
During a podcast appearance released Wednesday, Myers, the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, pitched the 23-year NBA veteran on choosing Philadelphia over other reported contending teams if James wants to win.
“If he was (on the podcast), I’d say, ‘I honestly believe this is your best chance to win,’” Myers said. “You have to decide all the other things that are equally important. … What I would say is if it’s about winning, ‘Let’s talk about that team because you can win in Philadelphia.’”
Myers made the comments as a guest on the “Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul” podcast that was released Wednesday. James’ looming decision remains one of the biggest questions of free agency despite the various reported moves around the league. According to The Athletic’s NBA writers, the Sixers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves are among likely landing spots. James’ camp has been quiet, however, despite Paul’s appearance on his podcast. Paul is James’ longtime agent and business partner.
James has been seen on social media making appearances in Cleveland, including working out, golfing at an Akron, Ohio, country club and partying with friends at a nightclub. Yet he isn’t meeting with any teams. Paul said on the podcast that while he is handling James’ meetings with organizations, James will have the final say.
“We separate church and state,” Paul said. “I enjoy it because he’s worked hard enough to do whatever the hell he wants, which is why I’m fine with him doing whatever he chooses to do.”
Paul also noted that as much as winning matters at James’ next destination, the conversations are about “everything” and are “deeper than the average person would think about.” Paul, who’s had a relationship with James for 25 years, didn’t elaborate but admitted that Philadelphia’s acquisition of Jaylen Brown is a “great thing” that could help James choose the Sixers. Paul also has ties to Philadelphia, serving as the agent for Sixers star Tyrese Maxey and former point guard Ben Simmons through Klutch Sports Group.
Later in the episode, Myers reiterated James’ heightened possibility of winning in Philadelphia and the organizational support he could receive. But would that be enough?
“All I would say as someone representing a team is win,” Myers said. “This is the best chance to win.”
