The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as the betting favorite in the Eastern Conference to win the 2027 NBA championship following the signing of LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million contract. This move positions the Sixers ahead of the reigning champion New York Knicks, who are now the second betting favorite in the East.
This signing marks Philadelphia's second significant offseason acquisition, coming shortly after a trade that sent Paul George to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jaylen Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP. The 76ers' projected starting lineup now includes James, Brown, reigning MVP Joel Embiid, two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe, who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last season.
Brown, a five-time NBA All-Star and champion, averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and assists last season and has a history of durability. James, in his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 60 games. He will be approaching his 42nd birthday by the start of the 2026-27 season.
The team's success will hinge on several factors, including the health of Embiid, who has a history of injuries and has seen a decline in his defensive capabilities. Questions also remain about how the ball-dominant styles of James, Brown, and Maxey will mesh, and whether the All-Stars will accept potentially reduced roles. The 76ers are expected to contend with the Knicks, whose starting five remains intact and in their athletic primes, for Eastern Conference dominance.