PHILADELPHIA — LeBron James admitted this week that adjusting to life with the 76ers has been “a bit of a challenge,” largely because the move has left him less connected with his family — and, according to people familiar with the situation, because every morning he eventually remembers he voluntarily joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
James said the transition has been getting easier thanks to the atmosphere around his new teammates, explaining that being at the facility gives him a sense of togetherness and makes coming to work enjoyable.
“Every day is getting better,” James said, adding that being around the team “definitely helps.”
Sources say the difficult part comes roughly 30 seconds after LeBron wakes up, checks his phone, sees the Sixers group chat and remembers none of this was a dream.
Team officials have reportedly tried to ease the transition by slowly introducing him to Philadelphia traditions, including unreasonable expectations, immediate championship predictions and wondering whether Joel Embiid will be available Tuesday.
Still, teammates said LeBron has handled the transition professionally.
“He walks in, sees the Sixers logo, stares at it for a few seconds and then gets right to work,” one fictional teammate said. “The recovery time is already improving.”
Philadelphia officials remain optimistic that by December, James will be able to put on a Sixers jersey without briefly asking how free agency works.
