Saquon Barkley has put on his recruiter hat to make a push to get LeBron James into a Philadelphia 76ers uniform.
The Philadelphia Eagles running back sent James a message this week during his youth football camp at Haddonfield High School in Haddonfield, N.J. When asked about James’ free agency and the Sixers being a potential landing spot, Barkley made his pitch.
“I think it’s one of the greatest sports towns in the world,” Barkley told reporters.
“If you want to go out with a bang, a great spot would be Philly. If you could bring a championship to Philadelphia, you’ll be remembered forever.”
Barkley can speak from experience, having helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in his first season with the team. He immediately became one of the most beloved sports figures in Philly after a historic campaign capped off by securing the Lombardi Trophy.
Barkley and the 76ers aren’t the only team using such a pitch to try to lure James to their city. With James opting to forego the traditional free agency meetings with teams, stars such as Barkley and Steph Curry have tried to reach James directly.
James, however, is likely seeking more than just adoration from another city. The living legend also has to weigh which team gives his career the storybook ending it deserves.
It’s fair to wonder whether James sees that ending happening next to Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid.
