LeBron James had the opportunity to remain in Los Angeles, earn significantly more money and continue playing close to home. Instead, he walked away from it all.After leaving the Lakers in free agency, James ultimately signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.While many assumed finances would play a role in his decision, ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin revealed that wasnt the case.The Los Angeles Clippers made a serious push to sign the four-time NBA champion, offering him a one-year deal worth more than $20 million.The proposal would have allowed James to remain in his Brentwood home while continuing his career in Los Angeles, but he declined.McMenamin explained that James final decision had little to do with money and everything to do with finding the right basketball situation.But if it was just about the money, he could have stayed home and played for the Clippers, McMenamin wrote. Ultimately, his decision the last decision of this nature in his career was all about finding that feeling of fully immersing himself in a basketball environment of his choosing.LeBron reportedly spent close to a month evaluating his options before making the final call.His shortlist eventually featured the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers.Several of those destinations carried obvious storylines. A return to Cleveland or Miami would have reunited James with two former championship franchises, while joining Stephen Curry and the Warriors would have created one of the leagues most anticipated partnerships.Related Article: Draymond Green Commits Future to WarriorsInstead, James chose Philadelphia, embracing a fresh challenge rather than the most comfortable path available.READ MORE: Draymond Green Reveals Why LeBron James Didnt Pick Warriors
