Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James choosing the Philadelphia 76ers did more than shock the NBA. According to Dan Le Batard, it left people around the Miami Heat furious, confused and searching for an explanation.
Speaking on The Dan Le Batard Show, the longtime Miami broadcaster said he began receiving messages questioning how the 76ers convinced James to accept a two-year, $8 million contract—roughly half of what Miami was reportedly prepared to offer.
“The Heat are curious how it is that the Sixers did this,” Le Batard said, before suggesting Pablo Torre, famed investigative sports journalist, should start digging.
Then came the conspiracy theory.
Le Batard pointed toward Michael Rubin, the Fanatics CEO and former minority owner of the 76ers who remains close with Joel Embiid. Rubin sold his stake in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment in 2022, citing potential conflicts involving Fanatics’ expanding business in merchandise, trading cards and sports betting.
Le Batard wondered aloud whether James’ arrival could provide enormous value surrounding a potential farewell tour. James was a key speaker at Fanatics Fest NYC earlier this month.
There is currently no reported evidence that Rubin or Fanatics provided James with any improper financial incentive. The theory was speculation, fueled largely by surprise that James accepted such a small contract and chose a team built around Embiid’s notoriously uncertain health.
Philadelphia’s official recruiting effort was extensive enough without any shadowy assistance.
ESPN reported that team president Mike Gansey remained in constant communication with James’ agent, Rich Paul, while Tyrese Maxey, Embiid and Jaylen Brown all contacted James directly. Maxey, who is also represented by Klutch Sports, reportedly played a particularly aggressive role.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro even joined the sales pitch after encountering James at a private New York club.
The lobbying worked. James chose Philadelphia over Miami, Cleveland, Golden State and Minnesota, giving the Sixers a loaded core featuring Maxey, Brown, Embiid and V.J. Edgecombe.
Miami apparently wants to know the exact details about how Philadelphia ultimately closed the deal.
Le Batard has supplied one very dramatic possibility.
Whether there is anything behind it—or it is simply South Florida struggling to accept rejection—is another matter.
