The Athletic reported talks between LeBron James and ESPN for a behind-the-scenes documentary were at the one-yard line as of July 30, the kind of all-access, cameras-everywhere treatment Michael Jordan got with the Bulls. Except this time the backdrop isn't a dynasty chasing a 6th ring, it's a 76ers team that hasn't won a championship in over 40 years betting everything on a 24th NBA season from a guy who turns 42 during it.
That's the entire pitch, and it's brutal in its simplicity. LeBron signed with Philly this offseason alongside Jaylen Brown, who came over in a deal from Boston, and the Sixers are all in on the idea that pairing two stars with Joel Embiid finally ends the drought. If it works, the documentary is a coronation. If it doesn't, ESPN just signed up to film a legend's body and a franchise's hopes fall apart in real time, with receipts.
Naturally, Barstool's morning show treated the news like the fireworks it deserved. Big Cat called it a clown show, PFT accused Max of going full Bronsexual, and Max promised to drink everyone's tears while he watches. It's the kind of reaction that tells you exactly how the internet is going to handle 82 games of a legacy tour disguised as a title run.
Big Cat, Max and PFT hash out their feelings on LeBron signing up for full documentary access.
There's a wrinkle, though. LeBron's business partner Maverick Carter came out and denied the whole thing, posting that they are 'NOT doing anything like the last dance' and adding that LeBron doesn't even know when his last season is. LeBron then retweeted it, which either means the deal genuinely fell apart or means his camp is playing the same PR game Jordan's people played back in 1997, coy right up until the cameras start rolling anyway.
Either way, the stakes are what make this stick. James is a 22-time All-Star, 4-time MVP and 4-time champion looking at what could be the final chapter of his career, and he chose to spend it in a city that has waited longer than most fanbases have been alive for a parade. Whether ESPN ends up with cameras or not, everyone is already watching this season like it's being filmed.