LeBron James is embracing his battle against aging as he prepares for his 24th NBA season, revealing on his “Mind the Game” podcast that he’s found a new competitive edge in defying Father Time. Speaking to co-host Steve Nash, James said he refrained from basketball activities for over a month following the 2025-26 season, and his body and mind responded better than expected at 41 years old. “If you still have an opportunity to do what you love, then why just say I'm done?” the four-time NBA champion said.
James also confirmed one of the biggest questions of the offseason: his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers. While his connection with guard Tyrese Maxey and the acquisition of Jaylen Brown factored into the move, James pointed to Joel Embiid as a major reason for signing with Philly. “He’s done everything in our league. The only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one,” James said.
Embiid, 32, has spent his entire career with the Sixers and earned MVP, All-Star selections, and a gold medal, but he has never advanced past the Eastern Conference semifinals. The franchise last reached the conference finals in 2001 when Allen Iverson led them to the NBA Finals. Embiid’s health has been a concern, as he’s played fewer than 40 regular-season games in each of the last three seasons. James suggested his experience with a rigorous “day-to-day process” might help Embiid improve his durability.
The 7-footer’s offensive impact remains undeniable. In the 2026 playoffs, Embiid averaged 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in a first-round series against the Boston Celtics, guiding the Sixers to a historic 3-1 comeback. James expressed hope his presence could offer a fresh perspective on the grind required to win at the highest level.
James also weighed in on Brown, whom the Celtics traded to Philadelphia in the offseason. The wing had drawn attention for calling the 2025-26 season his “favorite year,” despite Boston’s early playoff exit. James described Brown as “misunderstood,” noting, “He has his own voice. He moves to the sound of his own beat. It makes people uncomfortable because it's not what everyone's accustomed to.”
James has spent time working out with Brown this offseason and emphasized that both he and Brown, along with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope—who won titles with James in 2020 and 2023—bring championship experience to the Sixers. “We know what it takes,” James said, “So just trying to make sure we're on the same page and have everybody else on the same page.”
Tyrese Maxey, who was drafted 21st overall in 2020 and shares representation with James under Klutch Sports Group’s Rich Paul, has remained a close ally. James recalled Maxey as one of the first to reach out after his free agency decision. “I just love everything about Tyrese Maxey, man,” James said. “He was one of the first people that was on my line, calling me, 'Yo, what are we doing? Yo, what's up? What's up, OG? What's up, old head? Come on down here, man. We can use you down here.’”
James described Maxey as consistent, pointing out that he’s been the same person since before the draft. Despite the age gap, their relationship runs deep beyond basketball.
As James embarks on this next chapter in Philadelphia, his focus remains clear: to support Embiid’s quest for an NBA title and to share his experience with a team eager to break through its playoff ceiling. The 2026-27 season will be a test of endurance and adaptation for both James and the Sixers, with the former’s battle against Father Time front and center.
According to Yahoo Sports.