LeBron on Jaylen Brown “I watched him kind of misunderstood, and that is absolutely okay. I think we’re all individuals for a reason. Like, you know what I’m saying? And everyone’s always trying to put everybody in the same box. And I love what he stands for and what he brings to the table.”
LeBron James’ blockbuster move to the Philadelphia 76ers has taken the entire NBA world by storm, forming one of the biggest superteams in the league today.
The decision caught many fans by surprise, but considering Philadelphia’s roster construction and James’ championship ambitions, the move also carries plenty of logic.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast, James opened up about what led to his decision to join the 76ers, citing his strong bond with Tyrese Maxey, the unexpected arrival of Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid as major factors.
“My relationship with Tyrese Maxey goes beyond the court,” James said.
When Nash noted how frequently James had previously mentioned Maxey on the podcast, James emphasized that those comments came at a time when he had no idea he could eventually end up in Philadelphia.
“And by the way, when I mentioned him in the past on the podcast, Philly was not even in question,” James explained.
Although LeBron noted that Philadelphia was not on his radar early on despite his close relationship with Maxey, the 76ers’ trade for Jaylen Brown this offseason shifted things and prompted him to seriously consider the move.
“I didn’t even, you know, obviously, and it’s way before the JB trade as well, which was another intriguing piece,” James said.
“I don’t think anybody’s seen coming. People saw that something was going to happen there, but I don’t think anybody thought that it would be Philly that would be part of that trade package.”
James also spoke highly of Brown’s approach to basketball and the personality he brings to a team.
“I love the way he approaches the game too,” James continued. “You know, both sides of the floor, what he brings to the game, his insight on the game.
“I watched him kind of misunderstood, and that is absolutely okay. I think we’re all individuals for a reason. Like, you know what I’m saying? And everyone’s always trying to put everybody in the same box.
“And I love what he stands for and what he brings to the table.”
While Maxey and Brown were important parts of the equation, James made it clear that Joel Embiid was also one of the biggest reasons behind his decision.
“And one of the most important, to be honest, is the big fella,” James said. “And the only thing he has not done, and that’s win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one.”
“He’s been the MVP of our league, has a gold medal, All-Stars, signature shoes, a bunch of money, beautiful fans,” James said.
“He has everything. He has the city on his back. He’s been the Process, you know, for, what, 10 years, 12 years, or however long he’s been there.”
James believes his own experience could now help Embiid approach the championship pursuit from a different perspective.
“I think it’s time now that we even dig even deeper into the Process,” James said.
“And I hope that I can be kind of that final little piece that can help him get over the hump and have him maybe just see it a little bit differently than he’s seen it his career.
“As far as, like, the day-to-day process, the day-to-day what it takes to get there.”