LeBron James Says He Chose The 76ers To Help Joel Embiid Win Championship

LeBron James left the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers, ending his six-year run in Los Angeles and starting a new chapter in his career.

The decision came after the Lakers lost to Oklahoma City in the playoffs. James had moments of doubt about whether to keep playing.

But after taking a month and a half off, his body and mind felt better than they had in previous summers. He realized he still loved the game and wanted to compete, James said during an appearance on the “Mind the Game” podcast.

“If you still have an opportunity to do what you love, then why just say I’m done?” James said on the “Mind the Game” podcast. “What is the reason? And do you have a real reason if your wife is saying continue to go if you want to. Your daughter and your two boys are like, ‘Dad, do what you do. This is, you know, we’re going to be here like if I have an opportunity to still do what I love to do and continue to inspire people and what I love to do then I think that’s what it came down to.”

Philadelphia has deep roots for James. He played at the Palestra during his senior year of high school, facing Maurice Rice, who had broken Wilt Chamberlain’s single-season scoring record.

Walking into that historic arena felt different. The basketball spirits were there.

Tyrese Maxey was one of the first people to call James when he became a free agent. Their relationship goes beyond basketball. James has known Maxey since before he was drafted.

“He’s been the same person since the moment I met him before he was drafted into the NBA. The same exact person. He came to my house. At that point, he was 19 years old. So he was actually hanging with Bronny and Bryce…So he was hanging with them, but like came in super respectful to me, super respectful to my wife, super respectful to everybody in the house. Bright smile and just like super just like down-to-earth.”

Joel Embiid is the biggest piece. He’s won an MVP, got a gold medal, made All-Star teams, and has signature shoes. But he hasn’t won a championship.

James wants to help him get there.

“He’s done everything in our league. And the only thing he has not done, and that’s win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one,” James said. “He’s been the MVP of our league, has a gold medal, all-stars, signature shoes, bunch of money, a beautiful family. He has everything. He has the city on his back,” James said.

James is excited about mentoring the younger players. He’s been around great locker rooms over two decades as a pro and 30 years in the game.

He knows how to play and approach the game the right way. He’s motivated to share that with a new group.