LeBron James Chooses Philadelphia: Can the King beat the Knicks?

The King is leaving Hollywood and taking one final swing at history in the City of Brotherly Love.

LeBron James announced Friday that he will join the Philadelphia 76ers, ending his eight-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers. The reported agreement is a two-year, $8 million contract.

At 41 years old, with four championships, four league MVP awards, four Finals MVP awards and the NBA’s all-time scoring record already secured, James is not chasing validation. He is chasing the possibility of one more championship.

Philadelphia already had former MVP Joel Embiid and explosive guard Tyrese Maxey. Earlier in July, they acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Brown arrives as a five-time All-Star and former Finals MVP.

Now add LeBron James.

Philadelphia does not need LeBron to dominate the ball for 40 minutes every night. Maxey can provide speed and perimeter pressure. Brown can attack mismatches. Embiid can command double-teams from the post. LeBron can become the connector—initiating the offense, controlling the pace.

But the questions remain: Can Embiid stay healthy? Can LeBron still play at the required level? The Knicks, with their continuity and depth, will have something to say about Eastern Conference supremacy.