Earlier in the 2026 offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers already made headlines by trading Paul George and a haul of draft picks to the Boston Celtics for multi-time All-Star Jaylen Brown. It seems team president Mike Gansey and his front office are not done, because they just signed LeBron James.
The four-time Finals MVP left the Los Angeles Lakers and signed a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option for the second year with the 76ers. That is one of the most high-value deals a team can get for a player many consider the greatest player of all time. With his arrival, the 76ers could have a supercharged starting lineup.
LeBron James joining the 76ers boosts their starting lineup even more
The 76ers getting Brown was already a massive move for the 76ers because he was just the Finals MVP for the Celtics in 2024. He also had the best season of his career as the number-one option in Boston, but now, he will be on a much more loaded team with top-level talent.
Brown is not the only superstar because the 76ers also have former MVP Joel Embiid. They even have one more All-Star in the starting lineup, Tyrese Maxey, who has stepped up to be the go-to guy for Philly after Embiid's injury struggles.
MORE:How Mike Gansey and Bob Myers' connection to LeBron James helped them sign the four-time Finals MVP
This is one of the most loaded starting lineups in recent NBA history because they have immense talent across the board. Away from the four All-Stars, they also have V.J. Edgecombe, one of the most impressive rookies of the 2025 NBA Draft class.
With all five players in that starting lineup showcasing that they can compete with almost any team, the 76ers could compete for a championship. LeBron himself believes this is the right team for him because it gives him the best chance to get that elusive fifth championship.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," James said in his lengthy post on X about his new team.
LeBron is a massive boost to Philly, which could make them contenders again. However, they may not be favorites because there are already three teams clamoring for that: the 2026 champions, the New York Knicks; the 2025 champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder; and the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs.
It will surely be a fun season to watch as LeBron will be looking to compete for a championship in his historic 24th NBA season. This will be yet another blockbuster campaign for the league.
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