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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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This offseason, LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers to explore free agency for the fourth time in his legendary basketball career, with many convinced he would return to one of his former teams, the Miami Heat or the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, James surprised many by choosing the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that was mentioned as part of the select group of squads that might sign him as he nears retirement. That immediately sparked championship-chasing debates, due to the All-Star players the 76ers already had, including Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Not only that, but the 76ers had also completed a blockbuster trade, sending Paul George and future picks to the Boston Celtics to bring 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to Philly.
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During a recent conversation with "Mind the Game" podcast co-host, retired two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, James shared details on the main factors that influenced his decision to play for the 76ers over the next two seasons.
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James explained that he's had an amazing relationship with Maxey that goes beyond basketball and described him as someone rare, who is the same person every day. James also mentioned the 76ers' surprising trade for Brown and said he likes his approach to the game, as well as "what he stands for and brings to the table."
However, the NBA superstar said "one of the most important" reasons for joining the 76ers is big man Joel Embiid.
"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, beautiful family; he has everything. He has the city on his back. It’s been the process, you know, for what, 10 years, 12 years, or however long he’s been there. But I mean, I think it’s time now that we even dig even deeper into the process," the 76ers star told Nash.
James indicated he wants to be the final part of helping Embiid in "getting over the hump" that he's been unable to get over throughout his career.
This past postseason, Embiid had a mostly healthy playoff run, and the 76ers pulled off a big upset over Brown's Celtics in a seven-game series. They then fell 4-0 to the New York Knicks, who went on to win the NBA Finals.
However, many Eastern Conference teams reloaded this offseason. The Miami Heat also made a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo to South Beach. Miami then added sharpshooter Klay Thompson to their new-look lineup.
Still, the 76ers feature Brown, Embiid, Maxey, sophomore player VJ Edgecombe, and all-time great LeBron James, and remain among the top contenders, alongside the reigning champion Knicks, to win the 2027 NBA Finals.
With the season starting in October, James, who became a four-time NBA champion with three different teams, could show the world that he's the final part of "the process" to help Philly win their first championship since 1983.
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