PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers' new superteam is reportedly divided into two locker-room factions: players who grew up watching LeBron James, and players who were born after his NBA debut.
Jaylen Brown says the “12-year-old in me” is “over the moon” about sharing a roster with James, insisting “no glaze” before delivering what teammates described as a full ceremonial glazing.
VJ Edgecombe offered a less nostalgic perspective.
“He's exactly old enough to be my dad,” Edgecombe said, adding that LeBron's son Bronny is actually older than him.
James made his NBA debut in 2003. Edgecombe was born in 2005, meaning LeBron had already completed two professional seasons before his newest teammate entered the world.
According to fictional team sources, Philadelphia has introduced separate orientation sessions. Brown's group reviews legendary playoff performances. Edgecombe's group asks whether the highlights were filmed in color.
Coach Nick Nurse reportedly had to interrupt practice after multiple players called James “Unc,” while one asked whether he needed help setting up his phone.
LeBron, meanwhile, has allegedly requested that teammates stop bringing up the age gap every time he bends down to tie his shoes.
With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Brown, and Edgecombe joining James for Tuesday's opener against the champion Knicks, Philadelphia has enough star power to chase a title — and enough generations represented to hold a family reunion.
The Sixers wanted veteran leadership. They got a guy whose son could give their young guard a ride to practice.
