The potential impact of joining his long-time rival was always a question mark surrounding the idea of LeBron James choosing the Golden State Warriors in free agency. Now it turns out it wasn't just his own legacy on the 41-year-old's mind, but also that of fellow superstar Joel Embiid.
Embiid's inability to win a championship, or even reach the Eastern Conference Finals during his otherwise decorated career, actually worked in the Philadelphia 76ers favor and offered James an aspect the Warriors couldn't match during his decision-making process.
Joel Embiid's legacy offered LeBron James what Warriors couldn't
Speaking on the latest episode of the Mind The Game podcast, James outlined the reasons behind his decision to join the 76ers, including the factor of trying to get Embiid his first NBA championship.
“He's done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one," James said of Embiid.
This was always going to be the concern for Golden State and their pitch to the four-time MVP. Not only were the 76ers better positioned to offer the lure of championship contention, but a title in Philadelphia would surely mean more than one with the Warriors who've won four since 2015.
In stark contrast to Embiid, almost all of the Warrior veterans have tasted the ultimate success. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green -- the two players trying to recruit James -- have won four championships. Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis played together on the Boston Celtics' 2024 title team. Jimmy Butler is the one who hasn't won a championship, but at least the six-time All-Star can lay claim to being to the NBA Finals twice.
Warriors didn't have a strong enough pitch to LeBron James
For as much speculation as there was about Golden State's chances of getting James, the longer time passes the more understandable his decision appears. All the Warriors had was the chance to finish his career with fellow veterans who James has built relationships with, along with the proximity to Los Angeles where his family remain.
That was never going to be enough when James remains determined to play meaningful basketball and try and win a fifth championship. The 76ers, on the other hand, put themselves in position thanks to their blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown just weeks before James' decision.
James' relationship with Tyrese Maxey and desire to help Embiid reach championship glory helped clinch his decision. From a Warrior standpoint, it's another example of the fact that past success can sometimes prove a curse in these kind of situations.
Add us as a preferred source on Google