LeBron James 76ers move shifts East as Knicks stay top in CBS rankings
CBS Sports says LeBron James’ 76ers decision tilts more NBA power to the East, though the Knicks remain first in its rankings.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
LeBron James 76ers buzz led CBS Sports’ July 25 sports slate, with the outlet reporting that James’ decision to sign with Philadelphia has pushed even more of the NBA’s balance of power toward the Eastern Conference.
In its Eastern Conference power rankings, CBS Sports said the 76ers’ new star turn did not knock the Knicks from the top spot. Philadelphia’s exact placement was not stated in the highlighted item, but the framing made clear that James’ arrival changed the conversation around the conference.
The move also powered a run of related NBA coverage. CBS Sports promoted a grades piece on James choosing the 76ers, calling it The King’s “last decision,” and another analysis arguing that James on the Sixers is a perfect fit “at least on paper.”
What does LeBron James signing with the 76ers mean?
According to CBS Sports, the signing strengthens the Eastern Conference and changes where Philadelphia fits in the title picture. The Knicks, however, still sit ahead of the pack in the outlet’s latest Eastern Conference ranking.
CBS Sports also listed winners and losers from James’ move, saying the Cavaliers and Warriors take major hits. The promoted item did not give the full reasoning in the headline display, but it tied Cleveland and Golden State directly to the fallout from James picking Philadelphia.
The NBA was not the only league getting top billing. CBS Sports also highlighted an NFL analysis on Brandon Aiyuk’s future and contract situation, an NBA free agent tracker, an NHL free agent tracker and UFC Fight Night coverage for a card in the United Arab Emirates that gives U.S. viewers an early Saturday morning start.
Baseball supplied a full scoreboard from July 24 games. The Rockies beat the Brewers 5-2, the Cubs edged the Pirates 3-2 in 10 innings, the Tigers beat the Royals 2-1 and the Diamondbacks beat the Nationals 3-2, according to the scores displayed by CBS Sports.
The Yankees shut out the Phillies 1-0, the Braves beat the Orioles 7-6 in 10 innings, the Rays routed the Guardians 11-3 and the Dodgers beat the Mets 4-2. The Padres beat the Marlins 4-2, the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 6-4 and the Astros beat the White Sox 9-5.
Elsewhere on the MLB board, the Rangers beat the Mariners 5-4, the Athletics beat the Twins 2-0, the Reds beat the Cardinals 4-2 and the Giants beat the Angels 7-6 in 10 innings.
WNBA All-Star weekend items also appeared in the roundup. CBS Sports reported that Azzi Fudd won the WNBA 3-point contest and challenged Stephen Curry to a rematch, while Elena Delle Donne was featured after a Shooting Stars win and comments celebrating the league’s growth.
Golf made the board with Michael Kim firing a historic 59 at the 3M Open, a round CBS Sports said put him in an elite group, while Scottie Scheffler “falls off,” according to the promoted headline. College sports items included Georgia being picked over Texas and Ole Miss in the SEC predicted order of finish, plus Duke’s game against Michigan being called off with the Blue Devils set to face Texas Tech instead.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.