LeBron James officially joined the Philadelphia 76ers on September 28, 2026, and he immediately credited All-NBA guard Tyrese Maxey as a primary reason for his decision. James, speaking at his introductory media day, said his relationship with Maxey was a main deciding factor.
Their partnership started years before this summer. Maxey first texted James to train ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft. They continued meeting each offseason to work on individual skills. This past summer, however, the focus shifted. The two began practicing specific two-man actions like pick and rolls and dribble handoffs. That work culminated with James following Maxey back to the Sixers' practice facility in Camden.
Maxey admitted it felt strange seeing James in a Sixers jersey. But he emphasized their shared belief in the process. "I believe in the work," Maxey said. "He believes in the work. For this team, we got to get 1% better." James confirmed Maxey's influence, stating he consulted him multiple times while weighing offers from other teams, including potential returns to Cleveland or Miami.
The arrival of LeBron James transforms the team's ceiling instantly. Pairing a four-time MVP with a rising star like Maxey creates one of the league's most dynamic perimeter combinations. It also signals a win-now mentality for a franchise seeking its first championship since 1983.
James brings veteran leadership and playoff experience to a roster that needs it. His ability to facilitate will open easier shots for Maxey and Joel Embiid, assuming health. This move is about more than just adding a great player. It's about changing the culture and expectations within the locker room. The team's hope, as Maxey noted, is to improve not only on the court but in overall camaraderie.
Training camp began on September 29, 2026, the day after James was unveiled. The immediate task is integrating a new superstar into the system. Head coach Nick Nurse now has the enviable job of designing schemes around two elite ball-handlers and scorers. Preseason games will be the first test for this new partnership on the court.
The regular season schedule is packed with challenges. Early tests will reveal how quickly the team's new pieces gel. The goal is clear: a deep playoff run. With James and Maxey leading the charge, the Sixers have instantly become a must-watch team with legitimate title aspirations.
