LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers has been one of the most talked about topics in all of sports. Some praised him for choosing the team that gives him the best chance of winning another NBA title. However, others criticized the 41-year-old for ring chasing. Los Angeles Lakers legend Derek Fisher came to his defense.
He stressed the James is not doing so as he is the one leading teams to championships. Despite being at the twilight of his legendary career, he is still playing at a high level.
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“You’re not ring chasing when you’re the guy that creates the rings,” Fisher said. “Like, go back in NBA sports history, It’s not about what team the guy is on, it’s about where he is, not the city or the team. Lou Alcindor (or) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he didn’t chase rings, where he went, the rings followed.”
Fisher knows a thing or two about winning championships. He secured five rings during his playing career, all with the Purple and Gold. The retired point guard played alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant during their three-peat from 2000 to 2002. He was also part of the its back-to-back winning teams in 2009 and 2010.
What’s next for LeBron James?
Dec 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) shakes hands with Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) after the game at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
James will enter his 24th season and fourth team. He has won two titles with the Miami Heat and one each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers. On June 30, reports indicated that the 22-time All-Star informed Los Angeles that he is leaving to continue his career with a different franchise.
The four-time NBA champion is set to join forces with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Philadelphia has been busy bolstering its roster this offseason, also adding Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Its lineup is stacked, and analysts are already considering them as title favorites, especially with James’ addition.
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