While LeBron James continues to acclimate himself to his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, the ripple effect around the details continue to surface. At 41 years old and well into his second decade of service in the NBA, the four-time champion remains the top story in the league.
As talk shows buzz and think pieces fly across social media, James’ meaning to the 76ers’ immediate future evolves. At the same time, speculation regarding the teams that he spurned for Philadelphia emerges. Now, a former member of an NBA Finals foe gives his take on James’ decision.
Draymond Green Thinks LeBron James Didn’t Choose the Warriors Due to History
After four championships and dozens of other trophies, James headed to Philadelphia, hoping to give them their first championship since Julius Erving led the team in the early 1980s. Green discussed why James didn’t join Golden State on his self-titled podcast.
Draymond reacts to LeBron’s decision to sign with the 76ers instead of Warriors
“I ultimately don’t think Bron was ever able to get over the history and I understand it, I get it… he’s gonna get crushed if he comes to the Warriors, ‘ahhhh man you went to team up with Steph’… pic.twitter.com/K5PdHwUIUC
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) July 28, 2026
Green said, “I ultimately don’t think Bron was ever able to get over the history and I understand it, I get it.”
“He’s gonna get crushed if he comes to the Warriors, ‘ahhhh man you went to team up with Steph’ and ultimately I think that weighed in on the decision a lot, that played a big role in the Warriors not landing LeBron,'” he added.
To Green’s point, James does possess a fairly deep history playing against the Warriors. Over four consecutive NBA Finals, James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and the Warriors battled for the league’s ultimate prize.
Golden State won three of the four matchups. Meanwhile, the assertion that James just wants to play with Steph Curry does not seem far-fetched. The duo exhibited excellent chemistry during their time as teammates on the United States Olympic team.
Additionally, age could have played a role in James’ decision. Curry turns 39 next year. Jimmy Butler is also in his mid-30s. They compose a large portion of the team’s scoring. Adding James to that mix would give head coach Steve Kerr an aging core that may have one season together.
In contrast, Philadelphia offers a younger mix. Plus, the talent depth is far better in Philadelphia. James is teaming up with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid. Not to mention, VJ Edgecombe gives the 76ers a slasher who loves to finish at the rim.
In essence, James will not need to shoulder the scoring load. Instead, he can use his court vision to provide crisp passes to his teammates. While many predict the 76ers to make a deep playoff run, how would James’ presence have changed the fortunes for the Warriors?
