How adding LeBron James affects 76ers lineup, roster, offseason grade
· Yahoo Sports
LeBron James picked the Philadelphia 76ers for his latest NBA free agency decision, and the move is already shifting the landscape of the entire league.
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The league's all-time leading scorer announced on Friday, July 24, via social media that he's joining the Sixers in pursuit of another championship at the end of his historic career. It's a two-year deal worth $8 million, according to USA TODAY Sports, and gives Philadelphia two of the offseason's splashiest acquisitions. They also traded for former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown earlier this month.
The addition of James and Brown has turned the 76ers into one of the NBA's leading title contenders heading into the 2026-27 season and they'll be the Eastern Conference team most likely picked to knock off the defending champion New York Knicks because of these moves.
Here's a breakdown of what the 76ers roster and projected starting lineup will look like now that they've acquired James, as well as an offseason grade for the team's front office:
76ers lineup with LeBron James
Here's the projected starting lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the 2026-27 NBA regular season with LeBron James on the roster:
- G Tyrese Maxey
- G V.J. Edgecombe
- F Jaylen Brown
- F LeBron James
- C Joel Embiid
How LeBron James fits with the 76ers
James slots in well positionally in the Sixers' projected starting lineup as a power forward surrounded by Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown and Embiid. Maxey and Brown will provide playmaking and spacing, though James will also have to help with that as a secondary ballhandler picking his spots like he did when sharing the court with Luka Doncic. The Sixers might be vulnerable relying on James and Embiid given age and durability concerns at this point in their careers, but Brown can take on the role of defensive stopper like he did with the Celtics and there will be plenty of offensive options if this group stays healthy.
76ers roster after LeBron James signing
Here's what the Philadelphia 76ers roster looks like after the signing of LeBron James:
- G Tyrese Maxey
- G Labaron Philon
- G Anfernee Simons
- G Dalen Terry
- G Caleb Love**
- G Rayan Rupert**
- G Duke Miles^
- F LeBron James
- F Jaylen Brown
- F Dean Wade
- F Dominick Barlow
- F Trendon Watford
- F Justin Edwards
- F Jabari Walker
- F Johnni Broome
- F MarJon Beauchamp**
- F/C Adem Bona
- C Joel Embiid
- C Ariel Hukporti
**two-way contract^Exhibit 10 contract
76ers offseason grade
A
Putting this much talent together isn't guaranteed to work out. The last time LeBron James joined a star-studded roster with the Miami Heat, it took the first season to figure out exactly how all the new pieces fit. There's also injury concerns related to Embiid and the reality that James is 41 years old now. But how can this 76ers' offseason be viewed as anything other than a resounding success.
They shed Paul George's contract for minimal draft return and acquired Brown, which put them in a spot to also then lure James. The free agent additions of Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons on reasonable deals could also prove valuable. On paper, this is the best starting lineup in the NBA with Maxey, Edgecombe and Brown able to give James and Embiid the support they need. If Embiid can be healthy, the 76ers will be right in the mix at the end of the playoffs with the Knicks, Spurs and Thunder this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How adding LeBron James affects 76ers lineup, roster, offseason grade