LeBron James at 76ers Media Day: “I’m here to win”
At 41, LeBron begins his adventure with the Sixers without hiding his intentions: confidence in Embiid, a special relationship with Maxey and one clear goal
For the first time, LeBron James appeared in front of the cameras wearing a Philadelphia 76ers jersey. At 41 and on the eve of his 24th NBA season, the new chapter of his career officially began at Media Day, where he spoke about Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, his new role in the locker room and, above all, the ambitions that brought him to Philadelphia.
And on that last point, LeBron left very little room for interpretation: he didn’t choose the Sixers to quietly play out the final years of his career.
I didn’t leave my family to get knocked out in the second round, that’s for sure. There’s a lot of work to do, and I’m ready to do it
LeBron James
LeBron is counting on Embiid: “He’s put in a lot of work”
Embiid will inevitably be one of the key players in determining how far these Sixers can go. Talent has never been the issue, and LeBron knows that well: the real question remains whether the big man can be healthy and in good shape when the most important moments of the season arrive.
James, however, seems to have been impressed by the work his new teammate put in over the summer.
Jo is one of the most talented players in the world, and we know that the biggest thing for him is health. I’ve seen how much work he’s put into his body, his game and also the mental side of things during this offseason. It’s something that’s very positive for us, but I’m sure it’s even more positive for him
LeBron James
After all, helping Embiid win the first championship of his career was one of the reasons that convinced LeBron to choose Philadelphia. Another was Tyrese Maxey, with whom James has had a relationship that dates back to long before they became teammates.
When I started looking at the teams and franchises that I could potentially play for, the relationship I have with him was one of the biggest factors in my decision
LeBron James
Now LeBron will have to find his place on a team that already has several leaders, bringing above all the experience that inevitably is missing from much of the group. After 23 seasons, four championships and virtually every possible situation the NBA has to offer, James hopes that the way he approaches his daily work can also become an example for his teammates.
I’ve pretty much seen everything this league has to offer, on and off the floor. I hope that every day, the way I approach the game and the work can give something to every guy on the team
LeBron James
Then there will be the matter of getting to know Philadelphia’s fans, who aren’t exactly known for letting poor performances go unnoticed. Here too, though, LeBron seems to know exactly what awaits him.
They know sports, they know basketball, and if you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, they’ll let you know. And that excites me
LeBron James
At this point, the introductions are over. LeBron chose Philadelphia to make another run at going all the way, and at 41, he knows the opportunities left are not endless. Maxey, Brown and Embiid give him another chance to try: from Media Day onward, though, it will be up to the court to show just how realistic that opportunity can be.