\u2018Still have more to give\u2019<\/a><\/p>\nWhile many believed James would either return to the Miami Heat or make an emotional homecoming to Cleveland, ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith admitted Philadelphia was the one destination he simply never saw coming.<\/p>\n
Smith explained that James\u2019 strong ties to his hometown Cavaliers made it difficult to imagine him joining another Eastern Conference contender, but after seeing the roster Philadelphia has assembled, he quickly understood why the four-time MVP made the move.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it was shocking to say the least, because I always thought that you know the love and affection that he obviously has for Cleveland and Cleveland has for him because that\u2019s home,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not something he would dangle in their face and then go to another Eastern Conference team.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was just my belief. So I was shocked by the decision for him to go to Philadelphia, but I can\u2019t knock it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s clearly a great move on his part.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you consider the fact that Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown are on the same team. That\u2019s your backcourt for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
FILE – Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, left, talks with Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe, right, following an NBA basketball game, Dec. 7, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo\/Chris Szagola, File)Source: AP<\/p>\n
For Smith, James\u2019 arrival isn\u2019t just about adding another superstar.<\/p>\n
He believes Philadelphia has assembled one of the league\u2019s deepest and most balanced rosters, combining established stars with one of the NBA\u2019s brightest young backcourts, while simultaneously opening the door to ending one of basketball\u2019s longest championship droughts.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo considering this roster, considering the fact that it\u2019s a 43-year drought by the city of brotherly love since they last won an NBA championship, knowing what\u2019s at stake, he\u2019s going to be in that bubble.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be electric in the city of Philadelphia.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘In Australia we say that all the time!’ | 01:48<\/p>\n
Smith also revealed he had already spoken with two of Philadelphia\u2019s biggest basketball icons following the signing.<\/p>\n
Both Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson shared the excitement surrounding James\u2019 arrival and what it could mean for a city desperate to celebrate another NBA championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI spoke to Charles Barkley earlier today. I spoke to Allen Iverson earlier today.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth of them are excited that he\u2019s in Philadelphia. They know what that city is about, what it can be about when they\u2019ve got a potential winner on their hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite Barkley\u2019s excitement surrounding Philadelphia\u2019s championship hopes, the Hall of Famer couldn\u2019t resist taking one playful swipe at James.<\/p>\n
For years, critics have questioned whether James has consistently sought out already talented rosters throughout his career, with Barkley suggesting Philadelphia simply represents the latest chapter in that narrative.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe number one knock on LeBron for older guys like myself has always been, \u2018Yo man, you always stacking your team.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cHe stacked in Miami. He stacked in Cleveland. He stacked in LA. Now he\u2019s stacking it in Philly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether fair or not, Barkley\u2019s criticism only adds another storyline to what is already expected to be one of the most scrutinised seasons of James\u2019 career.<\/p>\n
When Smith was asked who now carried the most pressure heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, his answer was immediate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe it\u2019s LeBron James.\u201d<\/p>\n
Few reporters have covered James as closely as ESPN\u2019s Brian Windhorst.<\/p>\n
Having followed his career since his high school days in Akron, Windhorst believes many fans overlooked the biggest clue James himself provided when announcing his decision.<\/p>\n
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
To those on the outside, Philadelphia may have appeared to come from nowhere.<\/p>\n
For Windhorst, however, James\u2019 own words made the decision surprisingly straightforward.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou may be asking yourself, why did LeBron choose the Philadelphia 76ers?<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if we didn\u2019t have any information like a lot of us didn\u2019t yesterday, it does seem shocking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Windhorst believes the answer ultimately came down to one thing.<\/p>\n
Simply another opportunity to compete for an NBA championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if you pay attention to what he said in his explanation on social media, it all of a sudden starts to make a lot more sense.<\/p>\n
FILE – Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, left, talks with Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, right, of Cameroon, after the second half of an NBA basketball game, April 6, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo\/Chris Szagola, File)Source: AP<\/p>\n
\u201cHe valued winning a championship this season as number one.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, he defined happiness with his choice being winning a championship.\u201d<\/p>\n
James\u2019 long-time agent Rich Paul was one of the few people to remain publicly measured throughout the entire process, despite constant speculation linking his client to several championship contenders.<\/p>\n
As the weeks unfolded, reports regularly suggested Miami, Cleveland, Golden State, Minnesota and Philadelphia had all emerged as favourites at different stages. <\/p>\n
The prospect of James joining Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball in Minnesota became one of the league\u2019s biggest talking points, while Golden State was repeatedly reported as closing in on another partnership between James and Stephen Curry.<\/p>\n
According to Paul, however, much of what surfaced publicly never reflected the reality of the negotiations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is why I said all that stuff was false, all the speculation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd at the end of the day these guys are just doing their job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul confirmed that despite the number of teams linked to James, the final decision ultimately came down to just two organisations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a layered decision across the board between Philly and Golden State and he just really decided on Philly.\u201d<\/p>\n
While James\u2019 ability on the floor speaks for itself, Paul believes his greatest impact may come away from the box score.<\/p>\n
Philadelphia has assembled one of the league\u2019s youngest championship-calibre cores, and according to Paul, James\u2019 experience navigating pressure, expectations and adversity will be invaluable alongside head coach Nick Nurse.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdding LJ with his experience, fighting through adversity, Nick Nurse has a guy that he can let police the team so the guys don\u2019t turn on Nick.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former teammate Danny Green admitted his first reaction was probably the same as millions of fans around the world.<\/p>\n
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
He simply didn\u2019t believe it.<\/p>\n
The three-time NBA champion, who won a title alongside James with the Lakers, said he initially thought ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania had been hacked before realising the news was genuine.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was like this can\u2019t be real news. Shams, is somebody hacking you, this can\u2019t be real news, you know what I\u2019m saying?<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo years $8 million to Philly, none of that was in the cards for me.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo yeah, it was shocking. It was just as shocking as the Jaylen Brown news probably for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Green believes the move also places James in a role unlike any he has occupied throughout his NBA career.<\/p>\n
Rather than carrying a franchise offensively, Green expects James to complement one of the league\u2019s deepest rosters, allowing younger stars to shoulder much of the scoring burden.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis legacy is where it\u2019s at.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou getting a championship as the third or fourth option, that does not be like, \u2018Oh you\u2019re the GOAT now.\u2018<\/p>\n
\u201cLike Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown are the best players on that team, then it\u2019s Joel Embiid, then it\u2019s LeBron James.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are now the fourth option.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whether James ultimately becomes Philadelphia\u2019s fourth option or not, Green still expects the veteran superstar to play a crucial role in the franchise\u2019s championship ambitions despite turning 42 in December.<\/p>\n
Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins was even more emphatic.<\/p>\n
For Perkins, James\u2019 arrival immediately changes the championship landscape.<\/p>\n
‘Grateful the league has taken action’ | 00:40<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James, can win a championship this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Should that happen, James would achieve yet another historic milestone, becoming the first player in NBA history to win championships with four different franchises.<\/p>\n
After months of rumours, reports and speculation, James finally addressed the decision himself.<\/p>\n
In a lengthy statement posted to social media, the four-time MVP admitted he briefly contemplated retirement following the season before ultimately deciding there was still one thing driving him.<\/p>\n
Another championship.<\/p>\n
James explained that while money, location and family all played important roles throughout his career, they were no longer the deciding factors at this stage.<\/p>\n
Winning was.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I was done when the season ended.<\/p>\n
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales\/Getty Images)Source: Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game.\u201d<\/p>\n
James said taking time away from basketball ultimately reminded him why he still loves the game and why the pursuit of another championship continues to motivate him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not going for money. I\u2019m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?<\/p>\n
\u201cI still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energise a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not everyone, however, was convinced by every part of James\u2019 explanation.<\/p>\n
Stephen A. Smith openly questioned James\u2019 claim that retirement had genuinely crossed his mind, saying he never believed the NBA\u2019s all-time leading scorer was seriously considering walking away.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t believe that for one second,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the only part of that statement that I think he\u2019s full of it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t believe it for one second.\u201d<\/p>\n
Instead, Smith believes James\u2019 decision has always been about extending his remarkable career while continuing to chase history.<\/p>\n
A fifth NBA championship would see him draw level with Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan, while also moving one step closer to matching Michael Jordan\u2019s six titles.<\/p>\n
Combined with reaching an unprecedented 25th NBA season, Smith believes James\u2019 motivation has always been crystal clear.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeBron James wants to play 25 years in the NBA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why he signed that two-year deal.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wants to play 25 years.<\/p>\n
(FILES) USA’s #06 LeBron James celebrates his team’s victory after winning the men’s Gold Medal basketball match between France and USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 10, 2024. LeBron James announced on July 24, 2026 he will play for the Philadelphia 76ers next season, with the 41-year-old NBA superstar hoping to transform another franchise into a championship team. (Photo by Paul ELLIS \/ AFP)Source: AFP<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd he wants to win because if LeBron James wins, he will have surpassed Steph Curry as a four-time champion. He will have tied Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan with five.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we all know if he wins over the next two years who he will tie then if he pulls it off, right?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be Michael Jordan.\u201d<\/p>\n
After one of the longest and most closely followed free agency sagas in NBA history, the league finally has its answer.<\/p>\n
LeBron James is officially a Philadelphia 76er.<\/p>\n
Now, after weeks of delaying the NBA schedule while James weighed up his future, Commissioner Adam Silver finally has the clarity he was waiting for.<\/p>\n
(FILES) US professional basketball player LeBron James attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “Starting 5” at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California, on September 23, 2024. LeBron James announced on July 24, 2026 he will play for the Philadelphia 76ers next season, with the 41-year-old NBA superstar hoping to transform another franchise into a championship team. (Photo by VALERIE MACON \/ AFP)Source: AFP<\/p>\n
The pressure now shifts to Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
Because with James joining Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and one of the NBA\u2019s deepest rosters, anything short of a championship will be viewed as a disappointment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LeBron James is officially a Philadelphia 76ers player, with the four-time NBA MVP completing one of the most…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":822404,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[557],"tags":[64,63,590,85],"class_list":["post-822403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nba","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-nba","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=822403"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822403\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/822404"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=822403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=822403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=822403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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