Julius Erving Excited For LeBron James-Led 76ers: “Can Set Some Records and Win Championships”

Julius Erving sees championship potential in the Philadelphia 76ers after their signing of LeBron James.

Julius Erving Excited For LeBron James-Led 76ers: “Can Set Some Records and Win Championships”

Julius Erving and LeBron James (Image credits - HITC and ABC News)

Julius Erving is one of the most renowned figures in NBA history. He helped legitimize the ABA and was the most popular figure when it merged into the NBA.

After the merger, Erving joined the Philadelphia 76ers. He played 11 seasons in Philly and led them to a championship in 1983 alongside Moses Malone. Since then, the 76ers have not won a single championship. In fact, they have reached just one NBA Finals since 1983, and that was in 2001.

However, after some disappointing seasons over the last few years. The 76ers have signed LeBron James this summer. The level of optimism surrounding the franchise is very high, but, as Erving said, the publicity around the 76ers is worthless unless they win games.

As for what’s going to happen in Philly, it’s going to be very exciting for the fans of Philadelphia and for LeBron. That particular team can set some records and win some championships, but they have to do it on the court, not with lip service.

Julius Erving on ScoopB

After their disappointing end to the 2025-26 campaign, where they were swept by the New York Knicks, the 76ers have gone all in this summer. They kicked off their offseason by trading for Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade from the Boston Celtics.

While many saw the 76ers as contenders after the trade, their biggest acquisition came soon after. After his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers, James decided to join the 76ers as a free agent. His move has generated a lot of buzz in the NBA world, as he has delivered a championship wherever he has gone. Some have even labeled the upcoming season as “championship or bust”.

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Julius Erving warns the 76ers that superteam hype means nothing without titles

Julius Erving is a legend of the 76ers. He turned them into a championship-winning team and brought relevancy to the franchise. Unfortunately, they have struggled to carry over his legacy. But it looks like they have equipped themselves to win their first championship in 43 years.

However, heading into the 2026-27 campaign, it is hard to bet against the 76ers after the summer they just had. On paper, they may have the most dominant team in the league. The level of talent in their starting five is unparalleled.

They added Brown and James to a roster with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe. With multiple MVPs, Finals MVPs, and championship winners on their roster, they have all the tools to go all the way next year.

While they are strong favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference next season, Erving made it clear that expectations alone will not count for much. The 76ers have not made it past the second round of the playoffs in 25 years. But they will be expected to do so in 2027.

Julius Erving explains why he has kept LeBron James off his all-time players list

LeBron James is often viewed as the greatest or second greatest player of all time. The GOAT conversation is often a debate between Michael Jordan and James. However, Erving left the King off his all-time players list in an interview in 2023.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Image credits – Fox News)

When asked about it, Erving revealed a simple reason why the four-time champion still isn’t on his list.

I usually talk about retired players being part of all-time teams, not current players. LeBron is not retired yet, so it’s hard to put him in his position until his career is over.

Julius Erving on ScoopB

James was drafted into the league in 2003. 23 seasons later, not only is he still one of the best players, but he is still the face of the NBA. No player had played for 23 seasons before the 41-year-old.

While Erving revealed that he did not include James in his all-time list because he is still an active player, he has always heaped praise on James. James has the opportunity to make a stronger case for himself in the GOAT debate if he wins the championship next year. Not only would it be his fifth title, but he would become the first player in league history to win a title with four different teams.

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