A Glimpse into LeBron James’s First week as a Philadelphia 76er
By Randall Tom
LeBron James’s first week playing for the 76ers included a win against the defending champions, the largest comeback of his career and the opportunity to fill in at center. On July 24, LeBron James announced in Year 24 that he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
The likely last stop for James is everything but a victory lap for the four-time champion. While all the motives for leaving “La La Land” are unknown, there are two things James cares for: the two F’s, family and the Finals.
In a media day interview, James went on to say, “I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round.”
It is clear that James is still hungry 24 years later in pursuit of winning the NBA Finals again for the first time in seven years. Off the court, James had to relocate his entire operation, including over 65projected helicopter flights from his New York estate to Philadelphia practices and games.
James joins the Sixers to form the “Phab Five”. Rising star Tyrese Maxey, second-year player VJ Edgecombe, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and franchise center Joel Embiid. The group has an undefeated 3-0 record, including wins over the defending champion New York Knicks on opening night and a 29-point comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While the numbers may look underwhelming for James, who averages 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists, James knows his impact goes beyond the box score.
“The best way to expedite is obviously the floor or the practice court,” James said. “The film sessions help. The bus rides, the plane rides, the camaraderie, those things help. It’s gonna take time.”
Before last Thursday’s home debut, NBA teams that were down 29 points or more had lost 466 straight games. The rally was defense-driven, with James grabbing a team-high 10 rebounds and recording three steals.
Across his career James has played every position and has been asked to do a little bit of everything for this Sixers team. Whether he’s jumping the ball at center or initiating the offense as a point forward, James continues to show versatility.
With a host of offensive potential James has access to, he leads the team in assists. On the defensive end, the 41-year-old is second in steals and third in rebounds.
On the heels of the all-time home opener, James sent a message in his postgame presser acknowledging the heart of Sixers fans.
“It was everything that I dreamed of and more. We got the boos. That was amazing. We deserved it,” James said. It seems in his first week as a Sixer James has yet another city, fanbase and generation behind him.
Only time will tell if James and the Sixers can deliver a championship for the first time in more than 40 years. While the city may be new the hunger remains the same.
