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CAMDEN, N.J. — The gloomy, gray backdrop of the East Coast skyline, juxtaposed with the newest arrival from the West Coast, painted a poignant picture a few miles away from Philadelphia as the 76ers officially opened for business. Rain clouds hovered ominously around the facility, but, inside, the words emanating from LeBron James offered the security needed in stormy weather.
“Everybody’s on the same page with the direction the organization, players, coaches and staff wants to be in,” James said to reporters at Media Day on Monday, two months after shocking the NBA world by signing with the 76ers in free agency. “We all want to put the work in, that’s most important. We’re speaking the same language. That’s exciting to be a part of.”
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There was a refreshing sense of authenticity and understanding from James as he outlined the reasoning behind his decision to take his talents to Philly. The pieces already in place — Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown — were a natural attraction but, at 41, after nearly a quarter century in the NBA, the opportunity to win (again) at a high level proved to be the tipping point.
LeBron James takes part in the 76ers’ Media Day on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Camden, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
But joining a new team with title aspirations comes with its side effects. LeBron is a gravitational force of his own, a draw unlike anything seen before in basketball for this current generation. His larger-than-life presence can diminish that of others or make for uncomfortable situations, something James not so subtly alluded to — which likely played a part in his decision to depart from the Los Angeles Lakers. But in discussions that ultimately led him to Philadelphia, James spoke in depth with Maxey about the other aspects that come with him and whether that could deter or detract from the rapid trajectory he was on. None of that seems to be an issue.
“I hope I have a similar mindset as him,” Maxey said. “I believe in the work, he believes in the work. … Him being here is really cool. He’s going to uplift the entire team. I’m…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/lebron-james-and-the-76ers-begin-challenging-quest-for-championship-everybodys-on-the-same-page-214341161.html
Author : Kelly Iko
Publish date : 2026-09-28 21:43:00
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