Key Points
- LeBron James explained his 76ers decision on the "Mind the Game" podcast, released Friday, Sept. 25, ahead of Monday's Media Day.
- He said Tyrese Maxey was one of the first people who called him after he told the Lakers he wouldn't return.
- James said he wants to help Joel Embiid win his first championship after "The Process" era in Philadelphia.
- James is on a two-year, $8 million deal entering his 24th NBA season.
LeBron James explained why he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on the "Mind the Game" podcast with co-host Steve Nash, released Friday, September 25 — three days before the team's Media Day — more than two months after agreeing to a two-year, $8 million contract with the team. James pointed to his relationship with All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and a desire to help center Joel Embiid win his first championship.
What James said about Maxey
"When I became a free agent and we decided to let the Lakers know that I wouldn't be returning, he was one of the first people that was on my line, calling me," James said of Maxey, ESPN reported. James and Maxey share an agent and have been friends and workout partners since Maxey entered the league.
The Embiid factor
James also cited Embiid's championship drought as a motivation. "He's done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one," James said. Of Embiid's decade-plus in Philadelphia, he added: "He has a city on his back. He's been 'The Process' for 10 years, 12 years, however long he's been there. But I think it's time we even get you deeper into The Process. And I hope that I can be, kind of, that final little piece that can help him get over the hump." Embiid, Maxey, James and Jaylen Brown will share the 76ers roster together for the first time this season.
Asked why he is still playing at 41, James said: "If you still have an opportunity to do what you love, then why just say I'm done? What is the reason? Do you have a real reason?" He described his motivation as being "more in love with the pursuit of how much more can I defy the odds."
James will open the season on the road against the Knicks, part of an NBA schedule that features a Knicks-76ers opener among five nationally televised Christmas Day games. James is also managing chronic arthritis in his left foot and sciatica as he heads into training camp.
Others covering this
- CBS Sports — "LeBron James details three main reasons he chose 76ers""LeBron James explains why he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, citing Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey."
- CNN — "LeBron James arrives as a 76er and sets expectations high""LeBron James addressed reporters as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time at the team's media day."
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