LeBron James Joins 76ers to Chase Title with Embiid, Maxey

LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July, ending his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers after 23 seasons. The 41-year-old four-time champion said a longstanding friendship with All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and a desire to help Joel Embiid capture his first NBA title drove the move.

James revealed limited details about his free-agency process on the "Mind the Game" podcast with co-host Steve Nash, which was released Friday. He stated that Philadelphia was not initially an option until the 76ers acquired former MVP and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown in a trade with Boston.

“I think I'm more passionate about the challenge of seeing how far I can take it, defying the odds.”

James and Maxey share the same agent and have been friends and workout partners since Maxey entered the league. James said Maxey was one of the first people to call him after he informed the Lakers he would not return. James also expressed motivation to help the injury-prone Embiid, who has won an MVP award, two scoring titles, and an Olympic gold medal but no championship.

James wrote on social media when he signed that he felt "done" after last season, but time with family and strong offseason workouts changed his mind. He has won titles with every franchise he has played for: Cleveland, Miami, and the Lakers. Training camp opens next week, and James is scheduled to meet the press Monday at media day in Camden, New Jersey.