James Joins 76ers to Help Embiid Win Title, Citing Maxey Bond

LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract in July, motivated by his long-standing friendship with All-Star Tyrese Maxey and his desire to help Joel Embiid win an NBA championship.

James, 41, detailed the free agency process and his reasons for choosing the 76ers on his "Mind the Game" podcast, co-hosted by Steve Nash. James said he is "more in love with the pursuit of how much more can I defy the odds."

The NBA's career scoring leader initially did not consider Philadelphia. "Philly was not even a question" early in his decision-making, he said. This changed following the 76ers' trade with the Boston Celtics for NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.

James and Maxey share an agent and developed a friendship through workout sessions since Maxey entered the league. Maxey recruited James after his decision to leave the Lakers. "He was one of the first people that was on my line, calling me" after James became a free agent, James said.

James also cited his interest in helping Embiid achieve his first championship. Embiid has won an NBA MVP award, two scoring titles and an Olympic gold medal, but has not led the 76ers beyond the second round of the playoffs since the team drafted him third overall in 2014.

"He's done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one," James said.

He added: "He has a city on his back. He's been 'The Process' for 10 years, 12 years, however long he's been there. But I think it's time we even get you deeper into The Process. And I hope that I can be, kind of, that final little piece that can help him get over the hump."

James also praised Brown, saying: "I just think any time someone moves to their own beat, it makes someone uncomfortable. He has his own voice. He moves to the sound of his own beat. It makes people uncomfortable because it's not what everyone is accustomed to."

The 76ers finished last season 45-37 and were swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks went on to win the NBA championship.

James, a four-time NBA champion, had spent 23 seasons with the Lakers before this move. He said Los Angeles remains his home "for the foreseeable future."

James is scheduled to hold his first press conference as a 76er on Monday at the team's media day in Camden, New Jersey. Training camp opens next week.

"He's done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one," James said.

The 76ers finished last season 45-37 and were swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks went on to win the NBA championship.

James, a four-time NBA champion, had spent 23 seasons with the Lakers before this move. He said Los Angeles remains his home "for the foreseeable future."

James is scheduled to hold his first press conference as a 76er on Monday at the team's media day in Camden, New Jersey. Training camp opens next week.