In a surreal sight for Philadelphia fans, LeBron James finally donned a red, white and blue jersey for the first time on Monday.
Months after completing a star-studded starting lineup by joining Philadelphia on a veteran minimum deal, James took questions at 76ers media day, opening up some more about his process to join the team in the offseason.
From his new relationship with Philadelphia fans, to his future in the NBA, James addressed a few topics as he embarks on his 23rd season in the league with a new fanbase.
Here’s what James said Monday at 76ers media day.
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LeBron James opens up about decision to join 76ers, Philadelphia fans
Wearing the 76ers’ blue uniforms, James took the podium in Camden, New Jersey, the site of the team’s practice facility. When his name tag fell to the floor, he made sure reporters didn’t need a reminder of who he was:
“You guys know who I am, right?”
LeBron having fun at Sixers Media Day 😂 pic.twitter.com/juYpBI1jbz
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
One of the first questions he answered was about whether the 76ers will be his final NBA team.
The basketball legend declined to confirm whether he’ll join another team in the future, focusing on where he is now.
“I’m just looking at it every single day, about how I can be the best version of myself,” James said. “Just living in the moment. … We’ll see what happens.”
LeBron’s last contract? He says he’s just focused on the present. pic.twitter.com/6yI5XUrqps
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 28, 2026
James said that he and his 76ers teammates are all “on the same page,” with his role on the team being whatever is needed.
“I’ve seen everything that this league has to offer on the floor and off the floor, so I hope every single day with my approach to the game and approach to the work that it can translate to every single guy,” James said.
After being teammates with Joel Embiid at the 2024 Summer Olympics, James also addressed his fit alongside the big man and his health.
“Jo is one of the most talented guys we have in the world, and obviously for him we know it’s about health,” James said. “I’ve seen he put in a lot of work on his body, his game, his mental this offseason, that is big upside not only for us as teammates but guarantee it is for him.”
With 22 seasons’ worth of being an opponent in Philadelphia, James was ready for a new relationship with the fanbase — he noted that Philadelphia fans “know ball” and will hold him and the team accountable.
“This is a sports town,” James said.
LeBron with high praise for Philly pic.twitter.com/zLQCg4YvIs
— MAL (@MindOfBron) September 28, 2026
In terms of his offseason decision, James re-emphasized how his relationship with Tyrese Maxey aided in his process, saying he had a list of five teams he was considering in free agency.
“Our relationship, when I broke a lot of the teams and franchises down I could possibly play for, he was one of the main deciding factors,” James said of Maxey. “You saw [Rich Paul] and his podcast, he had his white board.”
Lebron Addressed rich Paul whiteboard shenanigans and talks about how Maxey’s perspective was one of the biggest things when coming to Philly pic.twitter.com/AYZklB3EMJ
— MAL (@MindOfBron) September 28, 2026
He added that he doesn’t believe the new-look 76ers will hurt V.J. Edgecombe’s development:
LeBron James went in depth telling our @PaulHudrick why he doesn’t expect VJ Edgecombe’s role to change, but that any sacrifice players will make is for the greater good of the team pic.twitter.com/dBnOYy2llT
— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) September 28, 2026
Over the Embiid era, the 76ers have failed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, lasting making a postseason run that deep in 2001 led by Allen Iverson. James, however, made it clear that he didn’t join Philadelphia with hopes of just making the postseason.
“In order for us to be great, we have to do things that are just not comfortable. … I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round, I know that,” James said. “Work needs to be done and I’m ready to put the work in.”
LeBron on what it will take for the Sixers to be great
“We have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
“If we don’t do that, then we’ll be like, ‘It was a great team on paper… and we lost in the second round.’”
I don’t wanna do that.
“I didn’t leave my family to lose in… pic.twitter.com/1yBK7mHKtC
— MAL (@MindOfBron) September 28, 2026