LeBron James shares a message ahead of his first NBA season in a 76ers uniform. Image via: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
LeBron James, now officially the $8 million forward on Philadelphia’s roster, shared his message on Instagram this past Friday, just days before the Sixers open training camp on Tuesday. Year 24 on the way!
James used a September 25 episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash to walk through the decision himself. “I love everything about Tyrese Maxey, man,” James said, describing a bond he called rare in sports and in life. The post read: “Helluva way to cap off the off season! LET’S GET IT. He also tagged his training crew, crediting @chrisjohnsonhoops, @corysmithhoops and the group at @jus.hoop for getting his body ready for a 24th professional season. He explained that Maxey, a longtime friend of his sons, was among the first people to call once word got out that he had informed the Lakers he wouldn’t return.
Appreciate you boys for the vibes every single morning before the sun came up!
James pointed out that Embiid has accomplished nearly everything the league has to offer except win a title, and said helping him finally get there was part of what drew him east. The pull toward Philadelphia grew once the Sixers landed Brown in the Boston trade, and it deepened around Embiid. He also leaned on an old memory of the city, recalling a high school game he played years ago at the Palestra that left him with a lasting feeling about Philadelphia basketball long before any contract was on the table.