LeBron James had a straightforward response for anyone questioning if he could still hang with the best in the NBA after 24 years in the league. He told the media he is not concerned about his ability to contribute to his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, after joining them this past summer.
The Critics Came Out Swinging Early
It hasn’t been the smoothest start for the King in his record-setting 24th season. His debut with the 76ers on October 20th against the New York Knicks saw him put up 14 points and 9 rebounds. In the next two matchups, versus the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons, he scored 17 and 18 points, but that three point line was giving him fits, going a rough 1-for-7. Ouch.
Of course, the internet did what the internet does. Critics immediately started posting some of his early lowlights on social media, sparking a wildfire of questions about whether the superstar had finally lost his signature spark. One X user even quipped that LeBron was “putting up the same highlights I have at LA Fitness open run.” You know it’s getting real when the open run comparisons start flying.
Finding His Stride and Pushing Back
But hold up, because the story doesn’t end there. In his following games, which included matchups against the Indiana Pacers, the 76ers (likely a typo in source, meant another team), and a second contest against the New York Knicks, LeBron started to find his rhythm. He drained 4-for-9 from beyond the arc in those games, helping to lead his team to two huge back-to-back wins. See? The man still has it.
He is not letting the noise get to him either. After a recent game, he told the media that he is still finding his groove after relocating to the City of Brotherly Love. “I’m still adjusting. Eight years in LA… I am adjusting, still,” he said, according to Bleacher Report. “But I think every day, every week, every month, I’ll continue to get better and better. My body will continue to ramp up, and the play will get better.” This isn’t just about his personal game, either. LeBron actually warned 76ers fans before the season that it would take time for the team to gel. He pushed back against the idea that everything should click overnight. “In order for us to be great, we have to do things that are just not comfortable. We have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. That is the best way to expedite being great. You have to fall in love with doing things that’s uncomfortable, and if we can do that, then we can be a great team,” he stated.
The Ultimate “Last Decision”
Here’s the kicker: LeBron signed a two-year contract with the 76ers this summer, worth a reported $8 million. Eight million for LeBron James. That’s a number that makes you stop and stare. He even opened up about this move on his X account, straight up calling it his “last decision” before he hangs up his sneakers for good. He asked online, “I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?” before emphatically stating that he still has that burning drive to win. This isn’t about the big payday anymore. This is about chasing greatness until the absolute last possible moment.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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