What if LeBron picked Philly over Los Angeles in 2018?

Not this whole time, from 2018 through 2026, that wasn't happening: Los Angeles always was. The one thing we've always known about LeBron James remains true in any imaginary instance, our hero was going hack at some point, he was always going to be a Laker.

Yet, what if the inevitable was delayed? What if James saw the same promise in Ben Simmons (with whom he shares representation) as Tyrese Maxey (ditto)? What if LeBron signed with Philadelphia in 2018?

Not a new idea. My buddy Geoff had the same notion, years before 2018, so did my buddy John, so did our pal Kevin Pelton (and in print). LeBron James, it turns out, also considered the notion before picking the Lakers and heading to Los Angeles with a four-year, $154 million deal in 2018.

The economy worsened since. The price of this newsletter remains the same, but James (despite remaining as tall and astute as ever) only signed for a two-year, $8 million deal in 2026.

That dollar amount owns over $10.6 million in 2018 buying power, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a severe depreciation we'll attempt to avoid while keeping LeBron James where he belongs.

In a swing state.