LeBron James makes 76ers media day debut ahead of his 24th NBA season

LeBron James spoke publicly for the first time as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, September 28, at the team's practice facility in Camden, New Jersey. The 41-year-old, who is entering his 24th NBA season and will wear No. 23, said he joined the team to compete for a championship.

"I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round," James said, according to NBA.com. Ballislife reported the remark continued: "I know that for sure. Work needs to be done."

The move to Philadelphia

James signed a two-year deal at the veteran minimum, which Ballislife put at $7,946,884. NBA.com rounded the figure to $8 million. Ballislife reported that the signing was announced on July 24, 2026. In 2025-26 with the Los Angeles Lakers, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.

He joins a roster that includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. According to Ballislife, the 76ers acquired Brown from the Boston Celtics in a trade that sent Paul George to Boston along with two first-round picks and two second-round picks.

NBA.com reported that Philadelphia went 45-37 last season and was swept in the second round by the New York Knicks, who went on to win the championship.

Maxey's role

James said his friendship with Maxey was central to his decision. "I have a great relationship with Tyrese. We talked a lot," he said, describing Maxey as "one of the main deciding factors," NBA.com reported. According to NBA.com, the two have trained together in the offseason since 2020.

Ballislife quoted James as saying he "had a list of five teams that I was interested in." Maxey said the acquisition of Brown changed the picture: "once we got Jaylen, I was like, OK, this gets interesting," he said, adding that James later called him and the two talked.

Expectations and sacrifice

James opened his session by removing his name tag and asking reporters, "You guys know who I am, right?" He also addressed the attention around the team: "Understand that the noise is going to be the noise. What happens outside of this building is going to consistently happen."

He said the group would need time to build chemistry. "It's going to take time," James said, according to NBA.com, adding that players may need to give up some shots: "If we sacrifice one or two more shots, that gives you one or two more bursts of energy."

Embiid, who NBA.com said appeared noticeably slimmer, declined to explain how he had prepared. "I feel good. I won't get into all the details of what I did, but felt like I did the right things," he said.

What comes next

According to Ballislife, training camp opens the day after media day, the 76ers' preseason begins October 5 against the Knicks, and the regular season opens October 20 at Madison Square Garden.

Why it matters

James is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and his arrival gives Philadelphia four high-profile players in James, Embiid, Brown and Maxey. NBA.com noted the group is aiming for the franchise's first conference finals appearance in 26 years. How quickly the new roster fits together will go a long way toward deciding whether that goal is reached.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.