LeBron James Makes Intent Clear Ahead of First Season With 76ers: “I Didn’t Leave My Family to Lose In The 2nd Round”

LeBron James wore his 76ers jersey and spoke to the assembled media about his expectations for the season.

LeBron James Makes Intent Clear Ahead of First Season With 76ers: “I Didn’t Leave My Family to Lose In The 2nd Round”

LeBron James (Image credits - Yahoo Sports)

LeBron James is all set to compete in his 24th season in the NBA. The King is coming off an impressive 2025-26 campaign where he led the Los Angeles Lakers to a second-round finish in the West.

After not re-signing with the Lakers in the summer, James was testing free agency for the fourth time in his career. With several teams in the race to sign him, he finally signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal.

James has his eyes set on a fifth championship. If he lifts the title next year, he will be the oldest-ever NBA champion and the first player in league history to win a title with four different teams.

During Media Day on Monday, James made it clear that his main goal is to win a championship in Philly.

For us to be great, we have to do things that we’re not just comfortable. If we can do that, we can be a great team. If we don’t do that, it’ll be like, ‘Oh man, it was a great team on paper…lost in second round. I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that, for sure. So, work needs to be done, and I’m ready to put the work in.

LeBron James in his press conference

It was LeBron James’ first appearance as a 76ers player since his move to Philly, as he decided to skip his unveiling in the offseason. When he left the Lakers early in the summer, he made it clear he would prioritize his happiness and his ability to contend for a championship at this stage of his career.

With the Lakers preparing for the post-James era, it was clear he had to move to a different team if he wanted to win his fifth ring. There has been a lot of excitement surrounding the 76ers heading into the new season, especially after the summer they just had in terms of acquisitions.

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Nick Young thinks LeBron James can deliver a championship in Philly

There is no doubt that LeBron James is still one of the best players in the league. The 76ers are coming off what could possibly be their greatest summer of all time.

After a disappointing ending to their 2025-26 campaign where they were clean swept by the New York Knicks in the second round, the 76ers kickstarted their offseason by trading for Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics before signing James.

Former NBA champion Nick Young believes James can win a title for the 76ers after his media day press conference.

He did have to leave LA where somewhere you been for 8 years now comfortable, your home and at 40 something to leave your family is tough that’s a sacrifice. And I think they got the team, he’s serious. He don’t care about how he look when you cut your hair you don’t care no more it’s all about winning, I’m coming out here what else I got to do?

Nick Young on Gil’s Arena

James’ decision to leave the Lakers did send the NBA world into a frenzy, as many expected him to re-sign with them after already spending eight years in LA. However, James has always controlled his own narrative and has committed to Philly for the next two years.

LeBron James is still in championship mode

LeBron James already shares a good relationship with some of his new teammates. His arrival in Philly has turned them into the most dominant team in the league, as he will share the court alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.

LeBron James
LeBron James on Media Day (Image credits – Yahoo Sports)

ESPN insider Dave McMenamin asked James about his decision to join the 76ers and whether he had any pre-existing ties with the franchise.

I’m still in championship mode even at year 24. Been a while since this franchise hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy. We’re very talented on paper, but we gotta take that paper to this floor right here, and put the work in and get better.

LeBron James on Media Day

James’ comments will be well received by Philly fans. The franchise has not lifted the NBA championship since 1983, and history shows that the 41-year-old wins everywhere he goes.

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