In early July, Bob Myers made a public pitch to LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, explaining why he believed the four-time MVP should choose the Philadelphia 76ers over his other suitors.
Myers’ argument ultimately helped make him a successful recruiter. James chose Philadelphia rather than return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat, two franchises where he had already won championships.
On Wednesday, the former Golden State Warriors executive offered more insight into why James made the unexpected decision.
Bob Myers Reveals Why LeBron James Chose 76ers Instead of Returning to Cavaliers, Heat
The 76ers first made their interest in James public when Myers, president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the franchise, appeared on the “Game Over” podcast in July.
Hosted by Max Kellerman and Paul, Klutch Sports Group CEO, the podcast gave Myers a chance to make his case directly. The two-time NBA Executive of the Year winner explained why he believed Philadelphia gave James his best opportunity to win a fifth championship.
After a tense waiting period, James announced his decision to join the 76ers roughly two weeks after Myers made his public pitch.
Myers, who helped construct the Warriors teams that won four championships during his tenure, later revisited the decision on the “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady” podcast.
“This is what I tell anybody watching on YouTube. If you ever questioned the motivations of LeBron [James], he chose the hardest path. … He goes to Cleveland, he’s a made man. … There’s only one reason – to win,” Myers said.
“It wasn’t because ‘I played there before, I grew up there or played with my friends.’ It was because ‘I want to win, so Imma go to where I wanna go to get the best chance of winning.’”
Myers’ assessment, however, drew some pushback from the podcast hosts. Both argued that staying with the Lakers could have represented a more difficult challenge for James, particularly after Los Angeles had moved away from viewing him as the franchise cornerstone.
The talent awaiting James in Philadelphia also calls Myers’ “hardest path” argument into question. The 76ers already have 2022-23 MVP Joel Embiid, All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, and promising young guard VJ Edgecombe.
Still, Myers stood by his reasoning.
James has already completed the familiar championship journeys in Cleveland and Miami, winning one title with the Cavaliers and two with the Heat. Philadelphia presents a different challenge, with James attempting to add another title without returning to a franchise where he has already reached the mountaintop.
Whether Myers’ definition of the “hardest path” proves correct will ultimately be measured by what James accomplishes in Philly. For now, the decision gives the 41-year-old superstar an unfamiliar route toward the fifth championship he continues to pursue.
