Tyrese Maxey Names LeBron James as Captain America on NBA Players’ Avengers Starting 5

Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James share a good friendship now.

Tyrese Maxey Names LeBron James as Captain America on NBA Players’ Avengers Starting 5

LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Tyrese Maxey names LeBron James as Captain America in his NBA Avengers starting five.
  • Maxey has emerged as a top guard, averaging 29 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists this season.
  • LeBron James praises Maxey, calling him one of the best point guards in the NBA today.

Tyrese Maxey has grown into one of the best guards in the league this season. Meanwhile, LeBron James, who is arguably the greatest player of all time, is currently in his 23rd season in the NBA. A number no player has ever achieved in league history.

The 76ers guard was the latest guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and was asked to name his Avengers starting five of NBA players.

Spiderman will be either me or Donovan Mitchell. Ironman I think will be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Hulk should be Isaiah Stewart because any man that can chase LeBron should be the Hulk. Captain America would probably have to be LeBron James. Everything he does is special like he did for the Olympics. He was a team leader for that so does a good job of leading our league. Thor would be Luka Doncic. They call him Luka Magic for a reason.

Tyrese Maxey on The Tonight Show

Drafted into the league in the 2021 NBA draft, Tyrese Maxey has shown significant growth with every passing season. Without the services of Joel Embiid and Paul George for the majority of the season, Maxey has carried the Philadelphia 76ers with his performances and kept them in contention for a direct playoff contention.

His scoring has taken a huge leap this season and has seen him single-handedly drag the 76ers out of darkness this season. He has not played since March 7 after suffering a finger injury. Prior to his injury, he was averaging 29 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 61 appearances.

On the other side, LeBron James is at the backend of his career. While James may not be the player he once was, he can still pick and choose his moments. Despite turning 41, he has shown no real signs of slowing down.

The Los Angeles Lakers are Luka Doncic‘s team, but LeBron James is their leader. The four-time champion showed his leadership when he led the US Men’s basketball team to a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Therefore, Maxey’s naming of James as Captain America sounds about right.

Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James worked out together in the offseason

Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James share the same agent, Rich Paul. Paul is James’ longtime friend and is the founder of Klutch Sports Group. The two stars are represented by Klutch Sports and have had the opportunity to train together during the offseason.

The 25-year-old shared a funny story when he was working out with James.

He’s (James) actually somebody who became close to me. In the summertime, we have this little thing, where we work out at six o’clock in the morning. So the first time it happened, I got there at 5:45, 5:40. I was there before him. Then he gets there at 5:30, and I tried to get there at 5:15. The last time, he got there at five. When I got there, he was in a full sweat. I was like, ‘You know what, you win’.

Tyrese Maxey on The Tonight Show

Maxey’s funny story also shows the dedication James still has for the sport. After everything he has achieved and won, the king is still hungry for more as he continues to defy Father Time.

LeBron James gives Tyrese Maxey his flowers

LeBron James has always been regarded for his basketball IQ. He has a special eye for talent and knows one when he sees one. Maxey won the Most Improved Player award in 2024 and has only grown since as he continues to average a career-high in all points, rebounds, and assists.

LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey
LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey (Image credits – Legion Hoops/X)

On his Mind the Game podcast, James said Maxey is one of the best guards in the NBA today.

His ability to have a tight handle and snatch back an hit those step back 3s, get to the FT line and make his mid range and floater. The kid has everything. He’s one of the best PGs not only in the East but in the NBA.

LeBron James on Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers will be hoping to see their star guard back in action as soon as possible, as they sit at seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. With Maxey, Embiid, and George all healthy, the 76ers will fancy their chances in the East this year.

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