LeBron James has a new team, a new routine, and an adjustment that reaches beyond the court. As he prepares for his first Philadelphia 76ers season, the four-time champion is navigating the distance between his work and a family whose lives still center largely on Los Angeles.
Speaking after the Blue x White event on Saturday, James acknowledged that spending less time with his family is “going to be a bit of a challenge,” per Yahoo. He also described the reception from people throughout the Sixers organization as “super welcoming.”
Philadelphia has given James a supportive environment as he works through that transition. He said spending time with teammates helps, even as he expects the adjustment to bring a mix of easier and tougher days.
LeBron James Explains the Family Challenge Behind His 76ers Adjustment
James’ family now has several different basketball and personal schedules. Bronny plays for the Lakers, while Bryce pursues basketball in Arizona. Savannah and Zhuri continue living in Los Angeles, where Zhuri attends school.
James, meanwhile, divides his time between New York and Philadelphia during the season. Maintaining those family connections has become a difficult part of the move, even with a warm reception from his new team.
“Every day is getting better, and obviously I’m gonna have some days where some days will be better than others,” James said. “But when I get to the facility, around these guys, it definitely helps.”
The shared routine around basketball gives James something to look forward to as he settles into Philadelphia. He pointed to the atmosphere around the group and the enjoyment he finds in coming to work.
“We got good energy, good spirit. Obviously, the basketball game, what it brings to all of us is a sense of like, togetherness and fun. It’s fun to go to work.”
That support extends to everyday moments with teammates. James specifically mentioned travel, practices, and time inside the locker room as parts of his new routine that help him manage the transition.
“So there’ll be some days where it’ll be better than others, but especially when I’m around these guys, locker room, plane rides, practices in the facility, things like that definitely helps.”
James Chose Philadelphia After Ending His Lakers Tenure
The move followed an offseason in which James faced a decision about his basketball future. His Lakers contract had reached its end, and retirement remained a possibility after Los Angeles’ playoff loss to Oklahoma City.
James offered little public clarity immediately after that elimination. He eventually informed the Lakers that he intended to continue playing with another franchise.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul confirmed James would play a 24th NBA season and that Los Angeles could proceed without him.
James later announced his decision to join Philadelphia. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported the signing, while Paul provided Charania with the agreement’s terms: two years and $8 million, including a player option.
At 41, James chose the Sixers as the next destination in his pursuit of another championship. That decision also introduced the family adjustment he discussed after the scrimmage.
For now, James says the transition continues to improve. The daily connection with teammates, from practices to plane rides, has helped him navigate the challenge of spending less time around his family.
LeBron James Faces a Personal Challenge in His First 76ers Season