LeBron James has been a part of many splashes in his career, but is the Philadelphia 76ers his best one yet?
Rockets star Kevin Durant said Philadelphia will be a “juggernaut” after they signed James this offseason, and believes it will be because of James’ willingness to take a step back.
Durant, a two-time title-winner with the Warriors, was joined by his co-host, Rich Kleiman, who looked shocked after Durant gave Philadelphia a hefty label ahead of the 2026 season.
“He understands how to put a winning basketball team together. He’s been in the league for 24 years; he should know how to understand how to do that,” Durant told Kleiman. “I feel like for him to take a minimum says a lot about his mindset and how he’s going to come into the team.”
In July, James shocked the world when he announced he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and would be joining the 76ers on a 2-year, $7.9 million deal.
On paper, the 76ers appear as one of the best teams in the NBA, as they hold a roster that features Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecomb.
At times last year, James appeared as a third option while playing alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Durant said he believes James’ willingness to take a step back will be the “connector” piece for the 76ers this season.
“Everybody’s not going to average 25 points on this team,” Durant said. “But it’s going to be nights where you’re going to be the man; it’s going to be nights where you’ve got to be the second guy, but it’s going to be moving parts throughout the whole season. Everybody’s role is going to change, and I think LeBron understands that.”
Durant went on to say that he believes this team has the intelligence to “make it all work.”
