LeBron James Opens Up On Why He Chose Sixers in Free Agency
LeBron James stunned the basketball world this summer when he chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent, passing up a return to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and a potential pairing with his buddy Steph Curry in Golden State.
Today, he explained why he made the stunning choice, while speaking with Steve Nash on their Mind The Game podcast.
And essentially, he pointed to Tyrese Maxey and two others as the main reasons.
Tyrese Maxey the main reason LeBron chose Philly
"I just love everything about Tyrese Maxey, man," James said. "Every day you get the same person, and that is very rare in sports and, obviously, super rare in life. And I've always talked about how great of a person that he is, and, obviously, we know what he brings to the basketball court."
The Sixers' huge trade to land Jaylen Brown played a big part in LeBron's decision
"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've watched him. [He is] kind of misunderstood, and that is absolutely OK. I think we're all individuals for a reason. Everyone's always trying to put everybody in the same box, and I love what he stands for and what he brings to the table in that fashion."
But James would be remiss if he didn't give at least some of the credit for his choice to former league MVP Joel Embiid.
"One of the most important [factors], to be honest, is the big fellow," James said. "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."
“One of the most important things is the big fella. And the only thing he has not done, and that’s win a championship. I want to try to help him get that first one.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 25, 2026
LeBron James on Joel Embiid and joining the Sixers 🗣️
(via @mindthegamepod) pic.twitter.com/j7LfdQGev7
With championship coach Nick Nurse at the helm, the Sixers will be one of the primary favorites to unseat the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference this season.
And they'll get a chance to prove it on opening night of the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, Oct. 20, as they'll take on the defending champion Knicks.