What Would Change For LeBron James In Philadelphia 76ers? NBA Analyst Identifies Biggest Difference From Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James left Los Angeles after the Lakers lost 4-0 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. He now plays in Philadelphia, and he looks happy there. The 76ers signed him to a 2-year, $8 million deal in free agency, and the addition of Jaylen Brown helped make it happen. Philadelphia beat the Chicago Bulls on Monday behind nine assists from James. NBA analyst Bill Simmons has named the biggest difference from Los Angeles. Simmons sees it in how James carries himself, and in who he plays with.

What Is The Biggest Difference For LeBron James With The 76ers?

Simmons says the biggest difference is ownership. In Los Angeles, he argued, James knew the team was not his, and the relationship with Luka Doncic was not good. Last year, Simmons said, James “seemed pretty miserable the whole season.” This time, the roles were clear from the start. James “knew it was Maxey's team, he signed up for it,” Simmons said.

The Finals picture helps too. Simmons said you could see a light bulb going off for James, who now has a real chance to make the finals and is fine playing some center. He also pointed to a great relationship with Tyrese Maxey and said James seemed “super happy.”

The mood shows at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The $8 million forward is all smiles there, running the show with Maxey, Brown and Joel Embiid. Two jobs still need doing. Nick Nurse has to manage the egos, and Mike Gansey has to find a decent backup center. If both happen, a fifth ring is on the table.

How Is James Connecting With VJ Edgecombe?

Maxey is not the only teammate James has clicked with. Second-year guard VJ Edgecombe had the ball in his hands a ton as a rookie. This season he is not the focus of the offense, but James has made sure he stays involved.

The proof came Monday against the Bulls. James had nine assists, and plenty were long outlet passes to a streaking Edgecombe, who got out and ran for easy buckets against a young Chicago team. It has been a regular sight to start the season.

The bond started in September at training camp. James said Edgecombe slowed up at times and he was not sure the pass would get there. So he gave one instruction. “I told him all he has to do is just run, and I'll try to put it on time, on target as much as I can.”

Edgecombe has noticed the other side of it too. “If you're open, he's gonna pass it,” he said. He also described James as “a super down-to-earth human being” and said the veteran never brings bad vibes.

Off the court, the two talk a lot. “That's my dawg,” Edgecombe said of James. The Sixers open a three-game trip Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons.