Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is returning to a familiar championship pursuit after signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, and the veteran guard says reuniting with LeBron James was a major factor in his decision.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Dawg Talk Podcast with Jordan McGruder, Caldwell-Pope said he is eager to return to meaningful basketball after a disappointing season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
“I just want to get back to playing meaningful basketball like playing for something, like you’re saying for another championship. I say that area, that spotlight, the playoffs, man. Ain’t nothing like it. The competitiveness, just I want it. I still got a lot of years in me that I can still go.”
The 33-year-old recently signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the 76ers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Grizzlies. Memphis missed the playoffs during the 2025-26 season after acquiring Caldwell-Pope from the Orlando Magic in the blockbuster trade that brought Desmond Bane to the franchise.
Before arriving in Memphis, Caldwell-Pope helped Orlando reach the playoffs, where the Magic were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in five games during the first round. Now, he reunites with James after previously winning an NBA championship together with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
During the podcast, McGruder suggested Caldwell-Pope could start alongside Tyrese Maxey, James, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid while allowing VJ Edgecombe to provide scoring off the bench with Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade.
“I just want to get back to playing meaningful basketball… Playing for something like… Another championship… I still got a lot of years in me that I can still go.”
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope reflects on reuniting with LeBron James in Philly 🗣️pic.twitter.com/SBO4eqD6ph
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 1, 2026
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is ready to embrace any role alongside LeBron James, 76ers
Caldwell-Pope, however, said he would embrace any role the coaching staff assigns.
“If you’re going to go that way then yeah, I’m accepting that. But for me, like I said, it’s not personal. I’m gonna come in to give my team 110%. You know KCP, I’m a do that each and every night. I’m a be available… Let the young fellas start, I want to be sixth man.”
He also explained why he believes a reserve role could benefit Philadelphia's lineup.
“If I start it takes away from putting a lot of ball dominant people out there. Now I can space the floor for a lot of them. I’m looking forward to it, man.”
Caldwell-Pope's willingness to sacrifice individual accolades for team success adds another experienced voice to a 76ers roster built to contend immediately. Alongside James, Maxey, Brown and Embiid, the veteran guard hopes another deep postseason run awaits as Philadelphia enters the 2026-27 season with championship expectations.