Tyrese Maxey, after dropping 43, wanted LeBron James’ jersey after long 5-year wait

After dropping a game-high on the Lakers, Sixers Tyrese Maxey found the courage to ask for LeBron James' jersey.

Tyrese Maxey, after dropping 43, wanted LeBron James’ jersey after long 5-year wait

Tyrese Maxey asked for LeBron James jersey after five years

Tyrese Maxey just proved it is never too late to fanboy over veterans of the game, particularly, LeBron James. Despite being in the league for five years now, Maxey has kept a wish to himself. The Philadelphia 76ers star dominated James’ side and got a huge win without Joel Embiid or Paul George. After dropping a game-high performance, Maxey finally fulfilled his desire – taking a game-worn #23 jersey from the Lakers’ star.

Playing alongside players like LeBron James might get intimidating for young players at times. Tyrese Maxey likely grew up watching James play in the NBA. While making it to the same league, Maxey was hesitant to ask for a jersey after developing a relationship with James. But the Sixers point guard at last found the courage to ask for it after the Lakers loss.

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I told him after the game, I said, Look man. I waited five years to ask for a jersey. I know I’ve known you for a while, but I think I’m gonna get it this year, ‘He was like, ‘Alright, cool.’

Tyrese Maxey said

Maxey had high praise for James comparing him to the GOAT Michael Jordan. The 24-year-old also shared a wholesome story about James’ competitiveness during their workouts in the summer. The four-time champion hilariously one-upped Maxey by coming before the star for practice. The Philly star admitted the support from ‘big brother’ James.

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Maxey’s takeover of 43 points against the Lakers was showered with praise for the hound star on the internet. James was also one of them, as the Lakers forward praised the ‘dynamic’ Maxey. The 40-year-old opened up about the Lakers’ failed attempts at defending Maxey. Along with the jersey, Maxey also publicly received a nod from the ‘King’.

LeBron James recognized Tyrese Maxey’s hard work long ago

Tyrese Maxey was one of the prospects in the 2020 draft whose stock was affected by the NCAA tournament being cancelled. The player from Dallas slid to the 21st pick by Philadelphia. In the time since, Maxey has now turned out to be the team’s most reliable player. His efforts have landed him a max contract from the team last year.

But LeBron James saw potential in Maxey long before that. The Philadelphia 76ers guard also received acknowledgment from the NBA fans as he made it to his first All-Star game in 2024. Despite Maxey being on the Eastern Conference team, James made sure to show love to the debutant. A clip of the duo went viral, revealing James’ ‘proud’ feelings towards Maxey. “Happy for you. Proud of you,” LeBron James was heard saying.

After that Maxey has only gotten better. Regardless of the causes and responsibility of the team, Maxey is slowly rising to be the number one option. The guard is averaging the highest points of his career at 27.1 per game. The incredible performance might land the player his second All-Star game as Maxey is currently ranked 6th in voting among guards in the East.