Why Did LeBron James Choose the Philadelphia 76ers

The Decision to Leave Los Angeles

LeBron James has finally explained why he decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. After eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, James entered free agency this summer. He told the Lakers he would not be returning. Then he made one of the biggest decisions of his career. 

On the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash, James talked at length about what went into his choice. He said that when he became a free agent, he intentionally tried to avoid taking calls from other players. He did not want to be swayed one way or another. He already knew what they were calling about. But there was one player he could not ignore.

Tyrese Maxey’s Big Influence

When James saw Tyrese Maxey’s name on his phone, he answered. James said Maxey was one of the first people to call him. Maxey asked him what he was doing and told him to come to Philadelphia. He said the team could use him. James explained that Maxey is such a great person that he could not avoid talking to him. Throughout the podcast, Maxey’s name came up more than any other new teammate. It seems the 25-year-old star had more influence on James’s decision than even the 76ers’ trade for Jaylen Brown, which James called another intriguing piece in Philadelphia.

A Relationship Beyond Basketball

James said his relationship with Maxey goes beyond the court. He said he loves everything about Maxey. Every day, you get the same person. That is very rare in sports and even rarer in life. James has always talked about how great a person Maxey is. He also knows what Maxey brings on the basketball court. James remembered meeting Maxey before he was drafted. 

Maxey came to his house when he was 19 years old. He hung out with James’s sons, Bronny and Bryce, playing video games. He was super respectful to James, his wife, and everyone in the house. He had a bright smile and was down to earth. From the moment he was drafted to the superstar he is becoming, nothing has changed. James said Maxey is beyond his years and easy to root for.

The Challenge in Philadelphia

James has won championships at each of his previous three stops. He won two in Miami. He returned to Cleveland and won one of the hardest-earned titles in league history. He won with the Lakers in the NBA bubble. Now in Philadelphia, he will try to take a stagnating franchise to the next level. 

The 76ers have been one of the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference over the last nine years. But that consistency has also brought a persistent failure to advance past the conference semifinals. It has been 25 years since Philadelphia reached the Eastern Conference finals. That was in 2001 when the Sixers lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Helping Joel Embiid Get a Championship

Joel Embiid has been with the Sixers through this entire run. Health is always the biggest question with Embiid. He is just three seasons removed from winning the 2022-23 NBA MVP award. James aims to be the difference. He said Embiid has done everything in the league except win a championship. 

James wants to help him get that first one. He pointed out that Embiid has been MVP, has a gold medal, has been an All-Star, has signature shoes, and has made a lot of money. He has everything. James thinks it is time to dig even deeper into the process. He hopes he can be the final piece that helps Embiid get over the hump. He also wants Embiid to see the day-to-day process differently than he has in his career.

The Competition in the East

To get Maxey, Embiid, and the Sixers to the Finals, James will have to fight through a competitive Eastern Conference. The conference got even tougher this offseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo switched teams. Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto. LeBron James will turn 42 on December 30. He also has an unprecedented one-on-one battle with Father Time. But James said he is more in love with the pursuit of defying the odds. He called it a real competitive basketball thing with Father Time. He begins his 24th NBA season when the 76ers report to training camp next week.

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