LeBron James Joining 76ers Has Allen Iverson Believing in a Championship: “Definitely Have a Chance”

LeBron James becomes the first true superstar to join the Philadelphia 76ers since they drafted Allen Iverson back in 1996.

Allen Iverson and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

When it was announced that superstar free agent LeBron James was joining the Philadelphia 76ers, franchise legend Allen Iverson was one of the first to react.

The Hall of Famer was ecstatic that his team was getting the biggest superstar in the league, and at a time when the roster is already loaded to the brim. James’ addition adds that extra bit to their title chances, now that he will play point guard.

There are still some question marks, primarily on defense and chemistry. Solving both will take time, and probably cost the Sixers a lot of games, at least in the early part of the season. But once they do, the sky is the limit.

I mean that’s the added piece… that we needed. Obviously, you put him on any team to me, you definitely have a chance… As far as… the leadership, the talent, man, the wars that he’s been in, and him being familiar with every type of situation that happens on a basketball court. He just… boosts the percentage of any team having a chance to win a championship and any team having… He’s one of them ones, man… He’s the king for a reason.
Allen Iverson said on The Stephen A. Smith Show

Allen Iverson says his expectation with LeBron James joining the 76ers it’s championship or bust next season:

“I mean that’s the added piece, you know what I mean, that we needed. Obviously, you put him on any team to me, you know what I mean? You definitely have a chance, but… https://t.co/AqdCdqlbCs pic.twitter.com/2AK72GUgI7
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 28, 2026

The 51-year-old acknowledged that a lot of things have to go right during the season for the 76ers to have that chance. He is concerned about the team’s health. But Allen Iverson is also excited that if everything clicks, the King will lead his team to a championship.

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Allen Iverson is ‘ecstatic’ LeBron James chose the 76ers

Allen Iverson is not known for speaking much and has even gotten into trouble for it in the past. But when he was on Stephen A. Smith‘s namesake show, he knew he was going to be asked about what he felt about LeBron James joining the 76ers.

Iverson and James have a close relationship (Image via Bronupdates/X)

Just ecstatic, man. You know I’m just happy for the city of Philadelphia, man. For the team, you know what I mean? The type of player he is, the type of person he is. I’m just happy, man. He brings a lot, you know what I mean? He really is the answer.
Iverson replied

After reiterating how excited he was, the former league MVP detailed to Smith how he understood what James might have gone through while deciding what team to join.

Iverson dove into his past experience where he was forced to leave a comfortable situation, just as James had in Los Angeles. At the end, for the 22-time All-Star to decide to touch down in Philadelphia left Iverson just as stunned as the rest of the world.

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Allen Iverson warns NBA of Philly fans after LeBron James’ arrival

During this conversation, Stephen A. Smith asked Allen Iverson how he expects Philadelphia fans to behave now that the biggest name in the game, LeBron James, is in the building.

I don’t think the world is ready. We have the best fans… If you come out there and play every game like it’s your last, that’s all they want is that effort. Then, you bring this type of guy, this excitement… I just think the sky is the limit.
Iverson replied

The 11-time All-Star reiterated that Philly fans are as loyal as the best can be, and he has first-hand experience to prove it. Going by the city’s culture, all they will look for is effort. If James and his crew give those fans what they want, they will break the roof on every occasion.

Safe to say @theofficialai3 is ready for LeBron in Philly! pic.twitter.com/WejsyzCllK
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 28, 2026

Philadelphia fans are known for being passionate, and also sometimes being a bit too passionate. But that is before they experienced having the biggest name in sport play for them. That is why Iverson warned that the world may not be ready to see this version of Philly fans.

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#About the Author

Joseph Varghese

(5399 Articles Published)

Joseph is a Senior Writer with FirstSportz and covers the NBA as well as the NFL. Sports came to him naturally from a young age. While playing high school basketball, he was enamored by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's all-dominating Lakers, who still happen to be his favorite team. He had a fleeting interest in American football during the Greatest Show on Turf era. That interest then grew exponentially when he saw Richard Sherman and the Legion of Boom romp their way to a Super Bowl. All that time, he was either trying to graduate with a degree in Commerce from St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, or working with HDFC Bank and HSBC. Then his long-standing passion for automobiles saw him launch East India's first auto-detailing service. His keen eye for quality and creativity has carried over to his forays as a writer, where he combines it with his three-decade experience as a sports fan to help him place words together.

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