Maxey Calls New Teammate LeBron James a 'Big Brother' After 76ers Pairing
The short version
- LeBron James signed a two-year, $7.9 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.
- Maxey told ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly that James is like a big brother and an OG to him.
- The 76ers' expected starting lineup features Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, and James.
- FanDuel lists Philadelphia and the New York Knicks as co-favorites in the East at plus-1000.
In an interview with ClutchPoints, Tyrese Maxey described his off-court bond with LeBron James and hinted at talks before James chose Philadelphia.
Tyrese Maxey opened up about his friendship with LeBron James in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints reporter Tomer Azarly, published on Azarly's X account on September 22, 2026. The two are now teammates after James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency this offseason.
James agreed to a two-year, $7.9 million contract with the 76ers, who landed Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics earlier in the offseason. The projected starting five includes Maxey, Brown, Joel Embiid, rookie VJ Edgecombe, and James.
Maxey described a mentor-like relationship with the 41-year-old James. The two have trained together in the mornings, and workout footage of the pair has circulated on social media this offseason.
Asked whether he knew of James's free agency choice ahead of the public announcement, Maxey gave a noncommittal answer, saying he would not confirm he knew and stayed silent, but acknowledged holding multiple conversations with James during the process.
Philadelphia's title odds have improved sharply, with FanDuel Sportsbook listing the 76ers and the defending champion New York Knicks as co-favorites to win the Eastern Conference at plus-1000. How Maxey and James fit together on the court over a full season remains an open question.
