While James acknowledged that Jordan served as his primary inspiration to pick up a basketball, he singled out two other legends as the true architects of his game: Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill. “[Michael Jordan] inspired me to play the sport, but Penny [Hardaway] and Grant Hill were the ones that actually shaped my game,” James explained.

Young players across the league, including members of the Philadelphia 76ers, have long spoken about how LeBron’s court vision and playmaking mindset have impacted roster dynamics. That cerebral approach directly traces back to Hardaway, the 1993–94 Rookie of the Year runner-up, and Hill, a 2018 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame inductee.

With James offering a fresh perspective on his basketball evolution with his arrival to Philadelphia, his comments clarify why his overall approach to the game looks so distinct from other all-time scoring greats.

What did LeBron take from Hill and Hardaway?

Hill brought dynamic, relentless force as a 6’8″ point-forward who could grab a defensive rebound, sprint coast-to-coast, and orchestrate the Detroit Pistons’ offense through sheer IQ and physical dominance.

Hardaway, starring for the Orlando Magic, introduced a breathtaking level of flair and vision, proving that a towering guard could slice open defenses with thread-the-needle passes while maintaining complete control of the floor’s tempo.

By combining these complementary skill sets, James constructed a playstyle that merged Hill’s downhill power with Hardaway’s intricate playmaking. From Hill, LeBron inherited the archetype of the dominant physical ball-handler, a forward who uses strength, straight-line speed, and court coverage to overwhelm opponents in transition and see over trapping defenses in the half-court.

From Penny, he adopted the unselfish, pass-first mentality and fluid perimeter mechanics, mastering delayed pocket passes, lob precision, and cross-court skips that continually punished defenses for focusing too heavily on his individual scoring threat.

Key takeaways

• Michael Jordan inspired LeBron James to play basketball initially.
• Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill directly shaped James’ overall playing style.
• James combined Hill’s downhill power with Hardaway’s unselfish playmaking mindset.

“He’s not talking just to talk. He just commands the room… It’s been like five times already where I’m like, ‘Dang, that was brilliant. How come I never thought of that?’… He always has a solution for everything. If I don’t know something, I’m going to Bron,” young forward Jabari Walker told reporters ahead of a preseason matchup this week.

That brilliant basketball mind has long generated buzz around the league, and now his younger Philadelphia teammates are getting a front-row education from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Even so, the transition hasn’t been completely noise-free, coming on the heels of a dismissed report recently clarified by Joel Embiid.

The Sixers aren’t just relying on James to carry the load for the 2026–27 season, however. Philadelphia has built a deep, versatile roster equipped to contend for a title and make a serious run at the NBA Finals.

Other players that have mentioned LeBron’s impact on the roster

High-profile peers like Dwyane Wade and Anthony Davis have repeatedly highlighted how James operates several moves ahead of the competition, pairing an elite basketball IQ with an encyclopedic knowledge of all 30 NBA playbooks.

Stories abound from former teammates like Iman Shumpert and opponents like DeMar DeRozan, who famously recalled instances where James actually corrected opposing players who were standing in the wrong spot for sets called by their own head coaches.

Even his fiercest rivals view his cerebral approach as his ultimate calling card. Draymond Green, widely considered one of the sharpest defensive minds of his generation, has praised James as the smartest player in NBA history, framing their high-stakes Finals battles as intense intellectual chess matches rather than mere physical contests.

Key takeaways

• Young forward Jabari Walker praised LeBron James’ profound impact on the team.
• Joel Embiid recently clarified and dismissed reports regarding tension with James.
• Philadelphia has built a deep, versatile roster equipped to contend for a title.

Both James and Embiid are expected to suit up tonight against Boston. After sharing the floor during a brief stretch against Brooklyn, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse is expected to give the duo more extended run against the Celtics.

With any off-season trade rumors surrounding James and Embiid firmly put to rest, the Sixers are focused on building chemistry between their two centerpiece stars as they eye a deep postseason run in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are taking a cautious approach with Jayson Tatum and Paul George for tonight’s contest. Both stars sat out Boston’s preseason opener as they continue to recover from off-season injuries.

Projected lineup for the Sixers

While Embiid and James remain the engine of the offense, guard Tyrese Maxey provides crucial scoring and playmaking support as Philadelphia looks to capture a victory tonight.

Here is Philadelphia’s projected starting five:

• Point Guard: Tyrese Maxey
• Shooting Guard: V.J. Edgecombe
• Small Forward: Paul George
• Power Forward: LeBron James
• Center: Joel Embiid

With their key pieces expected on the floor tonight against the Celtics, the Sixers are using these final tune-ups to gear up for a high-profile regular-season opener against the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James and Joel Embiid are expected to receive extended playing time against Boston.
• The Celtics are taking a cautious approach with Jayson Tatum and Paul George.
• Philadelphia’s projected starting unit includes Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Paul George, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid.

“Every day is getting better. I’m gonna have some days where days will be better than others,” James said following a preseason loss to the Brooklyn Nets. “Getting to the facility, being around these guys, it definitely helps. We’ve got good energy, good spirit. Obviously, the game of basketball brings a sense of togetherness and fun. It’s fun to go to work… being around these guys in the locker room, on plane rides, and at practice definitely helps.”

While adjusting to his new surroundings in Philadelphia, James remains acutely aware of the sky-high expectations surrounding a revamped roster that added Jaylen Brown alongside established cornerstone Tyrese Maxey, blue-chip rookie VJ Edgecombe, and former MVP Joel Embiid.

The high-profile transition hasn’t been without narrative noise, as James has already faced scrutiny regarding his chemistry with Embiid, a relationship the big man recently addressed in response to reports of a tense exchange during their 2024 Olympic run with Team USA.

Edgecombe weighs in on LeBron’s impact

The gap in experience between Edgecombe and James is vast: Edgecombe is embarking on his NBA journey, while James approaches the twilight of an iconic career. Still, the rookie expressed immense admiration for his veteran teammate’s selfless approach.

“He already got the record, he don’t care to score no more,” Edgecombe told reporters, praising James’ playmaking role following the preseason matchup against Brooklyn.

As the regular season approaches, the 76ers must navigate the immense spotlight that accompanies championship-or-bust expectations. With a star-studded core of Embiid, James, Maxey, Brown, and Edgecombe, Philadelphia boasts a roster capable of contending for an NBA title, and all eyes will be on how quickly the pieces click into place.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James expressed candid thoughts on adapting to his new home with Philadelphia.
• Jaylen Brown was added alongside Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid.
• Rookie VJ Edgecombe praised James’ selfless playmaking role following a preseason loss.

Following a preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid directly addressed reports detailing friction between himself and James. “I don’t know where that came from. It never happened. … One, it’s not true. And then again it’s like, ‘Why me?’ But I guess I’m Joel Embiid, I’ve been in this situation,” Embiid told reporters.

The rumors stem from reports claiming the former Los Angeles Lakers star called out Embiid for arriving late to practice, a story that surfaced shortly before the Nets game.

Since signing with Philadelphia, James’ future has been a central talking point across the league, with fans and analysts treating year 23 as a potential “Last Dance.” That spotlight naturally breeds locker room intrigue, especially when paired with an MVP-caliber teammate like Embiid.

LeBron logs first stats in Sixers uniform

In 18 minutes of preseason action, James looked intent on finding his groove as he adjusts to a new system alongside Embiid and Jaylen Brown. However, the comments regarding his performance were not negative.

He finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and five assists against Brooklyn. Notably, James didn’t attempt a single three-pointer, doing most of his damage at the charity stripe with an 8-for-8 performance.

Philadelphia enters the season as a legitimate championship contender. With a core featuring James, Embiid, Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and rookie VJ Edgecombe, the Sixers boast an enviable blend of veteran leadership, elite depth, and high-upside youth.

Key takeaways

• Joel Embiid denied reports of friction between himself and LeBron James.
• Reports claimed James called out Embiid for arriving late to practice.
• James finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and five assists against Brooklyn.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid are among the healthy inactives for the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning they are out for the matchup. The decision is tactical, likely aimed at avoiding exposing both players to potential injury.

Furthermore, they will not be the only ones sitting out, as the Sixers will not have several of their biggest names on the floor. Tyrese Maxey is also ruled out, while Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona, and Tacko Fall are among the other Philadelphia players unavailable for the opener.

Concerning injury report for LeBron

James had been seen participating comfortably in training sessions with the 76ers, but a report emerged today that raises concern among 76ers fans regarding how the veteran is entering this season. The ruling comes on the same day that ESPN’s Dave McMenamin provided additional insight into James’ physical condition entering his 24th NBA season.

McMenamin reported that James is dealing with chronic arthritis in his left foot, with special attention paid to the area during his daily training routine. His lower back is also being monitored after sciatica caused him to miss the first month of last season.

These factors make workload management a major consideration for Philadelphia, especially given James’ age and the length of the regular season. The Sixers are already analyzing how to manage that workload and handle back-to-back games as they prepare for the season.

Embiid’s physical status

That lingering worry over LeBron can be eased by the progress made by Embiid. Hours before tipoff, Philadelphia received another encouraging sign about the former MVP’s physical condition.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported Monday on “NBA Today” that Embiid has slimmed down to his rookie weight following an offseason in which the 32-year-old finally had an opportunity to focus on training instead of rehabilitation.

Embiid was listed at 250 pounds coming out of Kansas before Philadelphia selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2014 NBA draft. His current NBA profile lists him at 270 pounds. If true, this represents a highly significant change given Embiid’s injury history. It remains a shame that fans will have to wait to see LeBron and Joel share the floor.

Key takeaways

• Healthy inactives keep LeBron James and Joel Embiid out against the New York Knicks.
• Chronic arthritis in his left foot was reported ahead of his 24th season.
• A return to rookie weight was reported following an offseason focused on training.

“We run out a lot of ground balls. We look at a lot of stuff, and we ultimately make what we think is the best decision… We maintain some flexibility. We have a bunch of assets, so we’re in a really good spot,” Dunleavy told reporters during a media press conference.

Dunleavy’s comments shed light on why the Golden State front office opted for a measured approach this summer, prioritizing Stephen Curry’s contract extension while waiting for Jimmy Butler to return from injury.

Meanwhile, as fans eagerly await LeBron‘s debut with the Sixers, Draymond Green remains confident that the veteran star’s experience will bolster Philadelphia’s quest for an NBA championship this upcoming season.

Dunleavy breaks down Curry’s extension

When asked about Curry’s willingness to accept a pay cut to stay in the Bay Area, the Warriors’ general manager offered insight into the negotiations. “We just presented him with a plan to remain incredibly competitive. I think Steph’s biggest thing is always, ‘Allow me to understand, what are you thinking?’” Dunleavy explained.

Leaning into their long-term process to rebound in the 2026–27 campaign, the Warriors will rely heavily on the star duo of Curry and Butler to carry the load, having taken a conservative approach to major roster additions this summer.

Breaking down Golden State’s offseason moves

Golden State focused its 2026 offseason additions on draft talent and key role players, selecting power forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft—who went on to earn Summer League MVP honors—and taking wing Lajae Jones at No. 54, alongside free-agent signings Georges Niang, Brandon Williams, and Dalen Terry.

To round out depth and maintain roster continuity ahead of the campaign, the franchise also signed big man Graham Ike to a two-way contract, agreed to veteran extensions with Curry and Kristaps Porziņgis, and re-signed key rotation pieces including Green, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II.

Key takeaways

• Mike Dunleavy explained why Golden State shifted its offseason plans regarding available free agents.
• Golden State selected power forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick in 2026.
• Free agents Georges Niang, Brandon Williams, and Dalen Terry joined the franchise roster.

Stephen Curry has agreed to a two-year, $116 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, featuring a player option for the 2028-29 season, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

To put the timeline into perspective, LeBron‘s deal with the 76ers expires in June 2027 if he decides not to use his opt-out option, or extends through June 2028 if he decides to play the optional second year. This could potentially open the door for James to leave the franchise as a free agent and seek to play one final year with the Warriors, enjoying that potential last season alongside Curry, though such a scenario remains highly complicated to pull off.

Curry’s career with the Warriors

The 38-year-old Curry has spent his entire 17-year NBA career with the Warriors. The contract will tie him through age 40 – and possibly to the end of his career – with the franchise that selected him seventh overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Curry, a 12-time All-Star and two-time MVP, was limited to 43 games in the 2025-26 season due to a right knee injury. His 30.9 minutes per game represented the third-lowest figure of his career, yet he still averaged 26.6 points and 4.7 assists per contest.

Curry holds the NBA record for 3-pointers made with 4,248 and ranks 19th on the all-time scoring list with 26,528 points. His legacy is indisputable. Now, following his contract extension, his future with the Warriors leaves no room for doubt either.

A notable detail in Curry’s career

The affection is mutual. Despite frequent complaints regarding the front office and the Warriors‘ poor attempts to adequately build around Curry while he remains elite, a key detail stands out: He has never been eligible for free agency in his career and, depending on when he plans to retire, might never be.

Green was asked to name the most impactful signing on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” and went with James without much hesitation. “I think LeBron,” Green said. “Just with his championship experience, his leadership on a team that hasn’t been able to get over the hump, I think that makes it a very impactful and interesting signing for Philly.”

James took forever to make his free-agency decision and ultimately signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers with a player option for the second year. Even if you disagree that this is the most impactful signing, this is the best-value contract in the NBA.

LeBron James’ production and impact for the 76ers

Even at 41 years old, James maintains elite-level production. James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26. The 41-year-old remains an incredibly impactful player.

As Green mentioned, James, a four-time NBA champion, is also going to a franchise that hasn’t tasted success for a very long time. The 76ers won their last NBA title in 1983, and last made the NBA Finals in 2001. That was also the last time the franchise reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Postseason heartbreak has been the norm for the 76ers, and James believes he can help make the squad a championship team. The 22-time All-Star will have plenty of help, of course.

James is joining forces with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and another new addition in Jaylen Brown. With four All-Stars on its roster, the 76ers squad is most certainly a superteam. Brown also has championship pedigree, having won it all with the Boston Celtics in 2024. There is a lot to like with the 76ers, and if the group clicks, the rest of the NBA is in trouble.

The resulting fan backlash on social media has reached a fever pitch, particularly after the Warriors officially announced the low-profile offseason signings of role players Georges Niang and Brandon Williams.

Dismayed supporters flooded online forums to vent their frustration, with fans posting comments like “Steph should do himself a favor and request a trade,” “I thought we were landing a superstar,” and “This front office is becoming a major problem.” Dub Nation remains deeply skeptical about how the roster will fare in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, Thompson has already publicly expressed his excitement about teaming up with Giannis in South Beach, and the 76ers are finalizing logistics for LeBron‘s upcoming introductory press conference in Philadelphia.

A passive offseason leaves Golden State vulnerable

What hurts most for the fanbase is Golden State’s striking inertia. With Jimmy Butler still rehabbing from injury, Draymond Green departing the franchise, and Stephen Curry’s long-term future shrouded in uncertainty, the Warriors risk tumbling into NBA irrelevance before training camp even opens.

While rival contenders aggressively re-tooled through high-profile trades and free agency, Golden State’s primary responses to their roster exodus were Niang (via the Atlanta Hawks) and Williams (via the Dallas Mavericks).

At this stage, faithful supporters are no longer expecting a return to the dynasty years. Instead, they are simply hoping this patchwork group can stay competitive enough to scramble into the Western Conference playoff picture.

While the Sixers do not have a roster spot to make further additions at this time, the franchise is reportedly keeping its options open. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the 76ers could be eyeing Kevin Love as a potential option down the line.

“Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has been in touch with the Philadelphia 76ers‘ front office since James picked Philadelphia, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin reported. “Though the 6-foot-10 Love and James have remained close since teaming up for four seasons with the Cavaliers and even vacationed extensively together this summer, that bond doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a roster spot for the former five-time All-Star by training camp.”

The Love and LeBron partnership

Love and LeBron have remained close after spending four years together with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The duo participated in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship reunion tour this summer.

LeBron and Love played together in Cleveland from 2014 to 2018, reaching four consecutive Finals together. Their biggest achievement came in 2016, when the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to capture their first title.

During their four-year run together from 2014 to 2018, Love averaged 17.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Love ultimately played nine seasons in Cleveland from 2014 until he was traded in the middle of the 2022-23 season. Across nine seasons as a Cavalier, Love averaged 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

Love’s recent performance

Love averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game last NBA season while shooting 39.7% from the field and 37.3% from the three-point range. At 38 years old, he is obviously no longer the All-Star he once was, but he can still stretch the floor and provide valuable veteran leadership in a limited capacity.