LeBron James on joining 76ers: 'I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round.'

Monday was media day for the NBA, giving players the chance to speak with the reporters for the first time ahead of the upcoming season.

LeBron James wore his 76ers jersey and spoke to the assembled media about his expectations for the season, what led him to join the 76ers, and how this transition has gone at this point of his career.

James talked about the work he knows the team needs to put in and how it may take time to get the results they want, but made no mistake about his championship mindset heading into the season: "I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round."

James was asked what led to his decision to take his talents to Philadelphia. He broke down his team selection and said he was down to five teams, including the Sixers. He mentioned that he spoke to guard Tyrese Maxey a few times and even went so far as to say that when it came down to it, Maxey was one of the deciding factors that got him to Philly.

"I was asking all the questions that I could ask to him. It wasn't just one conversation. Our relationship, when I broke a lot of the teams and franchises down I could possibly play for, he was one of the main deciding factors."

He opened the news conference by being asked about what he has learned about his new team and the organization in the weeks since he signed. James responded, "I learned that everybody's on the same page with the direction the organization wants to be in, players want to be in, coaches want to be in. We all want to put the work in, and that's most important."

The veteran forward was asked if he thinks this will be the final contract of his career. James answered that he is taking it day by day and is focused on the present rather than looking too far ahead.

James was asked what he expects his role to be. He reiterated his desire to put the team first and said, "whatever the team needs for me to do." The forward then got a little more serious.

"The luxury of my game is that I can do everything.

[James pauses]

“Literally, I can do everything."

The 41-year-old made sure to point out that he knows that building this team into a cohesive unit won't happen instantly and will take time.

"It's going to take time. ... Everyone wants instant oatmeal. ... If you want something special, it takes time and every single day, doing something that you may not want to do.

“In order for us to be great, we have to do things that are just not comfortable. We have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. That is the best way to expedite being great.

“You have to fall in love with doing things that are uncomfortable. If we can do that, we can be a great team."

James even spoke about what it will be like to have a different relationship with the Philly fans. He said that in the past it was more hate, and now, hopefully, it will be more accepting. "'We hate you' and I love that. ... There's always been mutual respect. We're on the same side now."

The veteran forward joked that he hopes there are some fans in the crowd who can still give him grief, because he thrives on the tension and needs it.

The 76ers will open the 2026-2027 season on Tuesday, October 20, on the road against the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks.