LeBron James’ arrival creates a new challenge for the 76ers

On paper, it looks like the ultimate fantasy lineup (Dunkest obviously): Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. A starting five loaded with talent, experience, and enough firepower to compete immediately for an NBA championship.

But that’s also where the first major challenge begins for the Philadelphia 76ers. Adding talent doesn’t automatically create chemistry. Before drawing up plays, head coach Nick Nurse must answer the toughest question of all: who is willing to have the ball in their hands less?

This isn’t a roster with two superstars surrounded by role players. It’s a lineup featuring five players accustomed to creating offense, attacking defenses, and closing out games.

Their offensive usage rates from last season illustrate the challenge:

• Jaylen Brown: 36.1%
• Joel Embiid: 33.3%
• Tyrese Maxey: 29.4%
• LeBron James: 27.2%
• VJ Edgecombe: 20.1%

These figures come from different teams and can’t simply be added together, but they highlight one clear reality: Philadelphia has assembled five players used to being offensive focal points.

LeBron didn’t come to Philadelphia to stand in the corner

LeBron accepted a two-year, $8 million contract with one goal in mind: winning another NBA championship.

Taking less money, however, doesn’t mean he’s ready to become a spot-up role player.

The four-time NBA champion remains one of the greatest players in basketball history and still needs the ball to create advantages for his teammates.

The real question is how much he’s willing to adapt his game.

Philadelphia will likely win plenty of regular-season games on sheer talent alone, but the playoffs will present a different challenge: which of the team’s stars is willing to sacrifice touches over the course of an entire postseason?

Will Jaylen Brown go from first option to fourth?

The most delicate situation may involve Jaylen Brown.

With Jayson Tatum out, Brown finally took full control of the Celtics’ offense, finishing the season as an MVP candidate.

His 36.1% usage rate ranked among the highest in the NBA, allowing him to attack relentlessly through isolations, drives, post-ups, and clutch possessions.

In Philadelphia, however, the picture changes completely.

After being viewed elsewhere as a potential No. 1 offensive option, Brown could suddenly become the fourth scoring option behind Embiid, LeBron, and Maxey.

Reducing his workload could make him more efficient and allow him to spend more energy on defense, but it could also take away what made his last season so special.

Brown is devastating when attacking space and exploiting defensive switches, but he’s not a player whose game is built primarily on off-ball movement. He’ll have to find a new balance.

Embiid and Maxey can’t disappear from the offense

The issue also affects the team’s other two cornerstones.

Joel Embiid can’t simply become a screener waiting for dump-offs around the rim or catch-and-finish opportunities. He remains the team’s best interior advantage creator and the player capable of putting the most pressure on opposing defenses.

Tyrese Maxey will also need to maintain a significant offensive role. His speed is probably the easiest weapon to utilize without the ball, but turning him into a spot-up shooter would be a waste. Maxey is one of the team’s best creators off the dribble.

VJ Edgecombe may have limited room to grow

Among the five stars, VJ Edgecombe posted the lowest usage rate, but he also needs touches to continue developing.

The problem is that four established stars are ahead of him. That’s why Nick Nurse may be forced to stagger his rotations constantly instead of keeping all of his key players on the floor together for extended stretches.

Otherwise, the risk is obvious: having a highly paid player spending most of his time watching everyone else.

Nick Nurse must find the perfect balance

The most logical solution may be to use LeBron James as the team’s primary offensive organizer.

James is probably the player best equipped to bring everyone together:

• he can feed Embiid near the basket;
• he can find Brown on backdoor cuts;
• he can create open looks for Maxey.

But even that solution doesn’t completely solve the issue: LeBron would still have the ball in his hands while everyone else waits for their opportunities.

For that reason, Nurse may often stagger his stars, perhaps allowing Brown or Embiid to lead units against opposing second units.

The full starting lineup could be devastating in crunch time, but it’s hard to imagine it playing 35 minutes together every night without creating hierarchy issues.

Joel Embiid’s health remains the biggest question mark

The biggest factor that could change everything, however, isn’t tactical.

It’s Joel Embiid’s health.

The Sixers’ center played just 38 games during the 2025-26 season after appearing in only 19 the year before. With a history of knee issues and multiple surgeries, Philadelphia can’t simply assume he’ll be available for a 70-game season.

The alternatives are young and intriguing, but none can truly replace Embiid. Adem Bona has shown energy, rim protection, and athleticism, while Ariel Hukporti remains a developmental project, but neither can replicate his impact on both ends of the floor.

Even using LeBron as a full-time small-ball center for extended stretches would be risky. At 41 years old, managing his workload will be essential.

LeBron James’ arrival has raised the team’s ceiling. Now Nick Nurse faces the toughest challenge of all: turning five star names into a true championship team.