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LeBron James says one rookie-turned-star helped tip his free-agency decision more than any roster move: Tyrese Maxey. On a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, James described Maxey’s calls and character as a major factor in his choice to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Why Maxey’s call mattered
James admitted he deliberately limited phone conversations while weighing his options this summer to avoid outside influence. Still, when he saw Maxey’s name on his phone, he answered.
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According to James, Maxey was among the first to reach out after James informed the Lakers he would not return. The young guard reportedly offered a straightforward invitation to come play in Philadelphia. James said he found Maxey impossible to ignore because of who he is off the court.
Character and continuity
James emphasized that his relationship with Maxey goes beyond basketball. He praised Maxey’s steady personality and said the guard has remained the same person since James first met him as a 19-year-old prospect.
James recalled Maxey visiting his home, spending time with his sons and treating the family with respect. That continuity, James argued, is rare in sports and made Maxey especially appealing as a teammate.
Maxey vs. blockbuster moves
The 25-year-old’s name came up repeatedly during the roughly 50-minute podcast. James suggested Maxey’s influence outweighed even the Sixers’ high-profile trade for Jaylen Brown, which he described as “intriguing.”
What James hopes to bring to Philadelphia
James arrives in a city that has been consistent but underachieving in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers have regularly posted strong seasons yet struggled to advance deep into the playoffs. Philadelphia last reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2001, a run that ended with a loss to the Lakers in the NBA Finals.
Joel Embiid remains the franchise cornerstone and has carried the team through much of its recent success. James called Embiid one of the league’s most accomplished players but noted one missing item on his résumé.
“He’s done everything in our league,” James said of Embiid. “The only thing he has not done is win a championship. I want to try to help him get that first one.” He added that he hopes to offer a fresh perspective on the daily process required to win at the highest level.
The road ahead
Adding LeBron to a roster that already features Maxey and Embiid raises expectations. Yet James will enter a more crowded Eastern Conference; several teams made significant moves this offseason, and stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo have switched teams while Kawhi Leonard has returned to Toronto.
There is also the unavoidable reality of time. James, who will turn 42 on Dec. 30, described his career as a personal contest against “Father Time,” calling it a motivating challenge rather than a deterrent.
A veteran’s résumé
James brings a proven track record: championships at each of his last three stops. He won two titles in Miami, led Cleveland to a historic 2016 championship, and captured a ring with the Lakers in the NBA bubble.
Now in Philadelphia, James has signaled he expects to be the final piece that pushes the franchise past its playoff plateau — and he singled out Maxey’s presence as one of the key reasons he committed to the move.
