February 5, 2026, Los Angeles, California, USA: LeBron James 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during their regular season NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday February 5, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Lakers defeat 76ers, 119-115. ARIANA RUIZ/PI Los Angeles USA - ZUMAp124 20260205_zaa_p124_020 Copyright: xArianaxRuizx
February 5, 2026, Los Angeles, California, USA: LeBron James 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during their regular season NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday February 5, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Lakers defeat 76ers, 119-115. ARIANA RUIZ/PI Los Angeles USA - ZUMAp124 20260205_zaa_p124_020 Copyright: xArianaxRuizx
LeBron James choosing Philadelphia to play the last years of his illustrious career was unexpected. For the 76ers legend Allen Iverson, even if James chose the city late in his career, Philly fans will welcome him with open arms.
Eight years ago, before LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers, Sixers' big man Joel Embiid had tried to recruit him. Now that the four-time NBA champion has finally landed in the city, Iverson was confident of the love that Philly fans will show.
"I don't like it, I love it," Iverson told Mina Say What on Friday, July 24. "I love it just because of the experience. He's the best player in the world. And I know that the city would embrace him. They would love him, and they would treat him well."
November 8, 2024, Los Angeles, California, USA: LeBron James 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts up a shot during their regular season NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday November 8, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. ENRIQUE GURROLA/PI Los Angeles USA - ZUMAp124 20241108_zaa_p124_150 Copyright: xEnriquexGurrolax
November 8, 2024, Los Angeles, California, USA: LeBron James 23 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts up a shot during their regular season NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday November 8, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. ENRIQUE GURROLA/PI Los Angeles USA - ZUMAp124 20241108_zaa_p124_150 Copyright: xEnriquexGurrolax
LeBron is just five months shy of being 42. But his addition is big for Philadelphia. He still finds a way to be elite. He can still score at a high level and remains an excellent decision-maker. The Sixers will benefit a lot from him.
They already had an elite roster even before LeBron signed. The lineup of Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe spoke to their depth. LeBron makes them even more lethal.
Iverson is confident that James' inclusion will make the Sixers a legitimate contender.
"Been through all the wars": Allen Iverson confident of Sixers' chances after LeBron James addition
Allen Iverson highlights glorious years of Philadelphia basketball. But he was unable to bring a championship to the city. With LeBron's addition, the Sixers legend's confidence is growing for a title in Philly.
"He'd give us a greater chance to win a championship," Iverson said in the same Mina Say What interview. "You need guys like that. He's a vet. He's been through all the wars. [LeBron] has been through every type of situation that you can be in on the basketball court. And he's prevailed at the highest level."
With four NBA titles, 10 NBA Finals, including eight consecutive ones, LeBron's resume is unmatched. He can still be the best player on a team.
During the Lakers vs Rockets first series last season, he led his team in points and assists. James averaged 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.2 rebounds. The Lakers won the series in six games.
Can the Sixers be the best team in the league? A lot will be decided by how HC Nick Nurse figures out his team's chemistry. But so far, they look like championship contenders.
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Written by
Nandjee Ranjan
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore