Sixers 3 goals: LeBron James just needs to be himself in Philly

In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.

The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.

Up next in this series is megastar LeBron James . The future Hall of Famer joins the Sixers after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and he continues to be one of the best in the game after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in the 2025-26 season. He will now look to make an impact in Philadelphia .

For James, his three goals are as follows:

For James and the Sixers, the goal is obvious: get to the mountaintop in the NBA. James has been there four times in the past, as he won two titles with the Miami Heat , a title with the Cleveland Cavaliers , and one with the Lakers. While the Sixers were already one of the more talented teams in the league heading into the new season, they don't have those championship habits that James has developed over his career. It will be on James to be the one that sets the tone every single day and shows his teammates the arduous journey of what it takes to win a championship in the NBA. The lessons and examples he can pass down every day will be important for this group to build on.

James has one of the highest IQs a player can have in this game. He has been able to throw teams on his back just by making subtle eye or head movements in an effort to point his teammates in a certain direction to get them open looks within the offensive ecosystem. When considering the offensive talent that will be placed around him in Philadelphia, one has to believe James won't need to be that ruthless scorer as he has had to be in the past. Now, he can settle into more of a playmaking role and make sure Joel Embiid , Jaylen Brown , and Tyrese Maxey get their touches and looks while out on the floor.

Yes, James turns 42 in December. While he has been kicking Father Time's behind in every other aspect, it seems his age is affecting him a bit on the defensive end of the floor as of late. One has to believe that a lesser offensive burden in Philadelphia could make his life a bit easier and allow him to be more focused and active on the defensive end. If the Sixers can get James to even make a few plays in the passing lanes and allow Philadelphia to get out and run, then it will make life that much easier for everybody else within the system. It would allow the Sixers to get into their sets much quicker and allow them to find a rhythm.