LeBron James has yet to reveal where he plans to continue his career, but the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t waiting around.
The Sixers have ramped up their pursuit of the four-time NBA champion, with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown all personally reaching out to James as free agency enters its second week, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Maxey has reportedly been leading the effort.
The connection between Maxey and James goes back several years. Both are represented by Klutch Sports, and the pair have regularly trained together during the offseason. Maxey has previously referred to James as a “big brother,” making him a natural figure to help sell Philadelphia as the next destination.
The recruiting effort isn’t stopping with the players. Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey confirmed the organization has remained in contact with James’ camp.
“We’ve had conversations with Rich, really, since the Jaylen trade,” Gansey told The Athletic. “LeBron and his camp have kept quiet, and there has been speculation for different teams. But we’d obviously love to have LeBron. I respect the heck out of him. In my opinion, he’s the best player of all time.”
Bob Myers, the president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Sixers, also made his case during an appearance on the Game Over podcast alongside Rich Paul and Max Kellerman.
“If he was here, I’d say, ‘I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important,'” Myers said. “What I would just say is, if it’s about winning, let’s talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philadelphia.”
James has also spoken positively about Philadelphia in the past, particularly after leading the Lakers to a comeback victory over the Sixers last December.
READ MORE: Sophie Cunningham on Her Cameo as Ring Girl in UFC 329