PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The 76ers have officially signed LeBron James to what will likely be his last contract in his storied NBA career. Can the 41-year-old lead this Sixers team to the promised land?
“This guy is going to turn 42 about halfway through the season. This is not someone the Sixers should be relying on to play 82 games or to be playing 38 minutes a game,” said Adam Aaronson, 76ers beat writer for Philly Voice.
But that’s likely why James chose Philly in the first place. Around him, the team boasts Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. But does that talent surplus make it harder for the lineup to mesh?
“There are things you can nitpick,” he said. “Like, I would argue maybe Jaylen Brown is not — with his skillset — incredibly well-suited to be in a four-star lineup or a five-star lineup.”
But Aaronson believes while there will be an adjustment period to feel out ideal lineups, talent should prevail.
“There may be only one ball, but the Sixers have a lot of guys who can put that ball in the basket. And you need to be able to score in as many different ways as you can,” he said.
“[James] is arguably the most experienced player in the history of the NBA, and the smartest player in the history of the NBA.”
James said he wants a chance to win another championship — what would be his fifth title with his fourth team, which no one has done before.