LeBron James Said He Seriously Considered the Cavaliers Before Signing with the Sixers

LeBron James said he seriously considered a third return to the Cleveland Cavaliers before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Speaking after the Sixers' 114-106 win over the Cavaliers, which came after they overcame a 29-point deficit, the star player also referred to his early July meeting with the Cleveland front office.

LeBron declined to give details about the content of the meeting, but confirmed that the Cavaliers option was on the table. Describing the Cavaliers as a team competing for a championship, James said he gave serious thought to Cleveland while deciding where to spend the rest of his career.

ESPN's Shams Charania had reported that in July, LeBron met in his hometown of Akron with Cavaliers President Koby Altman, General Manager Brandon Weems, and members of the Gilbert family. Cavaliers Head Coach Kenny Atkinson also confirmed the joint club work at the time.

The 40-year-old star chose Philadelphia instead and signed a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. James previously had two separate stints with the Cavaliers. In 2016 he led the franchise to its first NBA championship. This season he is playing in a Philadelphia uniform, and he recorded a double-double in the win over Cleveland.