LeBron James Begins New Era with 76ers as Lakers Face

LeBron James is starting a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026-27 season. The 41-year-old superstar's departure from the Los Angeles Lakers after eight consecutive years marks a seismic shift in the NBA's power structure.

How are the Lakers handling life after LeBron?

Former Lakers guard Derek Fisher does not believe the franchise will collapse without James. He pointed to the team's acquisition of Luka Doncic and other moves as reasons for optimism. Fisher suggested the Lakers could still win 45 to 50 games this season.

"You think about the few organizations where LeBron has been, you tell me where their record has gotten dramatically better after he left," Fisher said on 97.1 The Fan LA on September 3, 2026. He highlighted the backcourt of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as an All-Star caliber pairing. The Lakers also signed center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal this offseason to anchor their defense.

What was the reaction inside the 76ers locker room?

Young center Adem Bona had an ecstatic reaction to learning James was joining Philadelphia. Bona, born just months before James was drafted in 2003, grew up watching the four-time MVP dominate the league.

"I was in Nigeria when it happened, and a friend called me on a direct call," Bona shared. "He was like 'Yo, Sixers just got Bron.' I just started screaming at the top of my voice." Bona is excited about the prospect of playing alongside James, potentially connecting on alley-oops. The 76ers, with James and fellow new addition Jaylen Brown, are considered one of the favorites for the championship.

Which NBA Finals does Jaylen Brown wish he could play in?

New 76ers star Jaylen Brown was asked which past NBA Finals he would want to experience. Brown, who joined Philadelphia this summer, named Finals featuring legends LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. The question came as NBA 2K27 introduced a new 'eras' feature in MyCareer mode, allowing players to start in different historical periods.

The video game rates the new-look 76ers highly, with Tyrese Maxey at a 92 overall. Brown and the team's other star additions are all rated 91 or higher, reflecting championship expectations. This superteam will be one of the most watched groups in the league.

How is LeBron's longevity being referenced outside the NBA?

James's remarkable career durability was used as a benchmark in horse racing. On August 28, 2026, an 8-year-old gelding named Gold Phoenix was compared to James ahead of the Del Mar Handicap. The horse was attempting to win the same major stakes race for a fifth straight year, a feat only achieved by the legendary Kelso from 1960 to 1964.

Gary Fenton and Billy Koch, managing partners of Little Red Feather Racing, named athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tom Brady, and LeBron James as examples of individuals who defy age. Gold Phoenix, a 5-2 morning-line favorite, has earned over $2.5 million since arriving in the U.S. In 2022. The comparison shows how James's sustained excellence has become a cultural shorthand for longevity.

• LeBron James left the Lakers in the summer of 2026 to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Derek Fisher predicts the Lakers can win 45-50 games with Luka Doncic leading the team.
• Teammate Adem Bona screamed with excitement upon hearing the news of James's signing.
• The 76ers are title favorites with a roster featuring James, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey.