Five things every Sixers player can learn from LeBron James
Jaylen Brown and Labaron Philon Jr. both talked about their excitement to learn from LeBron James this season.
LeBron James’ decision to come to Philly sent shock waves through the 76ers’ fan base, and there are still signs of the hysteria in its wake. Bootleg T-shirts showed up down the Shore, murals popped up around Center City and a diehard fan even sunburned James’ jersey into his back.
But this was a rare case where the players appeared just as surprised as the general public. Part of that speaks to the secrecy of what James called his final free-agency decision. The other side of this is his status as an all-time great. There’s also his longevity, which means several players grew up as fans of the 41-year-old star.
» READ MORE: Labaron Philon Jr. is ready for his rookie season with ‘a lot at stake’ after Sixers added LeBron James, Jaylen Brown
In recent days, Jaylen Brown and Labaron Philon Jr. both shared what they are excited about this upcoming season. And while the All-NBA performer and soon-to-be rookie are at completely different stages in their career, they both talked about the importance of learning from James.
That got us thinking about some aspects of James’ approach, and how it could do wonders for his teammates if they adopt only a few into their daily habits. That said, here are five things every Sixers player could learn from James.
How to take care of your body
On the day of his announcement, James shared a post on social media of his 5 a.m. workout routine. And even as the basketball world went into hysterics, he stayed silent and continued to work. James’ dedication might look performative at times, but there’s a reason he’s still in All-Star form heading into his 24th NBA season.
Every player on the Sixers could take advice from James on how to maintain good health. The new Sixer famously spends more than $1 million on physical maintenance every year. And while he partakes in the NBA’s trend of load management, he also is healthy in the postseason when it counts. Joel Embiid has battled knee injuries, Brown had knee surgery last offseason and Tyrese Maxey has been hampered by a troublesome pinkie finger for two years. So any tricks of the trade should be welcome.
How to think the game
James’ basketball IQ is the stuff of legend. A mic’d up moment from the Lakers’ 2023 season including James and former teammate Anthony Davis provided an example of just that. James predicted that former Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. would spin toward Davis when defended a certain way and it played out that way, leading to two Davis blocks and the Lakers getting possession of the ball.
Saying that this skill could be useful to the Sixers is an understatement. This team is known for competing hard and playing close before losing to more seasoned and organized teams, including the 2026 champion New York Knicks. James will bring late-game management that the Sixers have been missing on the floor with Embiid shrinking or fighting through injury in some of those moments and Maxey still maturing and learning to pick his spots.
How to handle criticism
James has been poked and prodded since he was a high school phenom at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio. In fact, he’s even been accused of stacking the deck in Philly because of the Sixers’ star-studded roster. James takes it all in stride and never steps outside of character with the exception of a few seasons in Miami and a confrontation with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
» READ MORE: LeBron James chose underdog Philly like Bryce Harper, Pete Rose, and Saquon Barkley. He chose us.
The Sixers will learn more about the scrutiny and heightened attention that comes with playing alongside James in a matter of months. And they’ll have to balance that with their own situations. Brown is fresh off a summer full of criticism and personal attacks, Embiid is constantly under scrutiny for his health, and Maxey is getting to the point in his career where that could be a reality for him as well. Having James as a sounding board would be vital for all involved.
How to handle business off the court
The Sixers’ roster has four players on max deals and a billionaire on a two-year, $8 million contract. While James’ decision to join the Sixers wasn’t about money, his teammates could still stand to learn from his management of multiple investments and ventures, including his ties to Uninterrupted and Klutch Sports. He also has an ownership stake in Fenway Sports Group.
How to maintain relationships
Prior to his recent news, James celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 title with former teammates Richard Jefferson, Iman Shumpert, Kevin Love, J.R. Smith and othhers. He also maintains a close relationship with Davis, who was rumored to become a potential teammate again this summer. James instead has connected with another former Lakers teammate in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is expected to take a roster spot on the Sixers.
Brown is fresh off a few complicated relationships in Boston and Embiid has had the same situation in Philly. James can speak to the importance of mending fences, as he was also tied to former Cavs running mate Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks at one point this summer.
Purchase a front page reprint of The Philadelphia Inquirer from Saturday, July 25, 2026, featuring LeBron James following the news that he was joining the 76ers. Buy it here.
