LeBron James is back in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. The future Hall of Famer chose them over the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers because he thinks Philadelphia has the best shot at winning an NBA title.
One of James’ former championship teammates gave his thoughts on the 41-year-old’s free-agency decision.
Chris Bosh Reflects on LeBron James Signing with the Philadelphia 76ers
James’ agent, Rich Paul, made it clear throughout this summer that his client’s top priority was signing with a team to compete for a championship. The 22-time All-Star did not care about the money or the sacrifices he would make to his family when finalizing his decision.
The 76ers made a significant trade this summer for Jaylen Brown, and this move ultimately convinced James to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with them.
James played with Chris Bosh from 2010 to 2014 in Miami. They won two championships together with Dwyane Wade in 2012 and 2013. Bosh, the No. 4 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, spoke about James’ decision to play for the 76ers rather than the Heat. He had previously urged James to return to Miami.
“I’m surprised, but I’m not surprised. You know, that was just my best pick. I was like, ‘Hey, if I’m doing something, I’m going to go to Miami, if it was me,'” Bosh told HoopsHype.
Bosh played on the Heat for six seasons and earned All-Star selections in each of those campaigns. The now-42-year-old averaged 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in Miami. Unfortunately, blood clots forced him to step away from the sport after the 2015-16 campaign at 31 years old.
Bosh’s stance on James’ decision may be somewhat subjective. Still, he does not blame the superstar forward for believing Philadelphia gives him the best chance to win another championship before retiring.
“Philly was a pretty good choice, too. So a lot of people call it ring chasing. Everybody chases rings. If you didn’t think Kobe [Bryant] and [Michael] Jordan were ring chasers too, you’re crazy,” Bosh said with a laugh. “Everybody wants a ring. I’ll chase a ring right now. (laughs)”
Every competitor naturally wants to reach the pinnacle of their sport. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan embodied this mindset to the extreme.
Bryant won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers across his 20-year NBA career. Jordan collected six rings with the Chicago Bulls, earning Finals MVP honors for all of those titles, across his 15 NBA campaigns.
These two Hall of Famers spent all or most of their careers with the same team. For Bosh, winning a ring is all that matters, regardless of how it happens.
The 76ers will be James’ fourth franchise. He has brought a championship to all three teams he has played for. James has no plans for that to stop now, as he tries to give Philadelphia its first title since 1983.
