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Ben Simmons speaks about possibility of LeBron joining 76ers

By Alex Butler
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

May 28 (UPI) -- Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons isn't shutting down rumors when it comes to LeBron James joining his squad.

Simmons recently answered questions during an interview with TMZ, saying that there is "only one way to find out" if he can coexist with "King James" on a basketball court.

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The Rookie of the Year finalist was walking out of an airport when he was asked if he would like to play with LeBron.

"If he comes, I'll play with him," Simmons said.

Simmons said "of course" when asked if he would like to play with James.

James' Cavaliers are set to play in the NBA Finals against either the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets. James has been to the NBA Finals for eight consecutive seasons.

The four-time NBA MVP averaged 27.5 points, 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game this season, starting 82 games for the first time in his career. James, 33, is making $33.2 million this season and has a $35.6 million player option next season.

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Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert recently told ESPN that James' potential free agency this offseason is not a distraction.

FRESH PRINCE X KING JAMES 👑

A post shared by Ben Simmons (@bensimmons) on

"Like him, I think he's said this, we're just focused -- and it's the truth, it's not avoiding the question -- we're literally focused on [the now]," Gilbert said. "It's just so intense in the playoffs and getting to the Finals and now the Finals, I don't think -- and I know he doesn't -- I don't think even our guys are talking [about anything other than] what's in front of them."

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"So, everybody knows, obviously what we want to happen and we'll take the Finals first and take it from there."

Several NBA cities have taken it upon themselves to recruit James this season, as have several Minor League Baseball teams. In February, a Philadelphia-based company put up three billboards along a Cleveland highway, saying "complete the process" and "Philly wants LeBron."

James later told reporters that he knew about the billboards and that it was flattering.

"You could say it's a distraction. It's not," James said. "It's not a distraction."

"It is actually very flattering that I'm sitting here at 33 and in my 15th year and teams or guys -- I don't want to say teams because that becomes tampering -- but people in their respective city want me to play for them. That's cool I think."

James and Simmons have the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.

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