LeBron James has explained why he chose to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, as he prepares for an unprecedented 24th NBA season.
Speaking on the Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, James stressed that winning another championship is the main objective, while acknowledging that nothing is guaranteed.
“We want a team that can compete for a championship”
“Getting a championship is not guaranteed. Obviously, there have been eight different champions eight straight seasons. But what we can control is how we show up to work.”
James made it clear that simply reaching the postseason is not enough.
“Are we here to just play in the regular season? No, we’re here to win. We want a team that can compete for a championship, and I think the city of Philadelphia wants that.”
The 76ers have not won an NBA championship since 1983, and James wants to help end that drought.
Tyrese Maxey was one of the first to recruit him
One of the biggest factors in James’ decision was his relationship with Tyrese Maxey.
James and Maxey share the same agent, Rich Paul, and the Philadelphia guard was reportedly among the first people to contact James with a recruiting pitch when he became a free agent.
“I just love everything about Tyrese Maxey, man. Every day you get the same person, and that is very rare in sports and, obviously, super rare in life.”
James also praised what Maxey brings on the court and his character away from basketball.
Jaylen Brown became another major attraction
The arrival of Jaylen Brown was another important factor. Philadelphia acquired the 2024 NBA champion and Finals MVP from the Boston Celtics on July 1.
“The JB trade, too, was another piece that I don’t think anybody saw coming. I think people saw that something was going to happen there, but I don’t think anybody thought that it would be Philly that would be part of that trade package.”
James praised Brown’s approach on both ends of the floor and his individuality.
“I love the way he approaches the game, too, on both sides of the floor, what he brings to the game, his insight on the game.”
“I want to try to help Embiid get that first one”
The final major factor James highlighted was Joel Embiid.
The Sixers center has won an NBA MVP award and Olympic gold alongside James, but has yet to win an NBA championship.
“One of the most important [factors], to be honest, is the big fellow. He’s done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. I want to try to help him get that first one.”
James will therefore begin his next chapter with Philadelphia alongside Maxey, Brown and Embiid, with another championship firmly in his sights.
The 76ers will open the 2026-27 regular season on October 20 against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Philadelphia will then host the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22.
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