LeBron Wears 76ers Jersey, Hypes Joel Embiid, Talks His New Role and More at NBA Media Day

Philadelphia 76ers star forward LeBron James sported his new No. 23 jersey during Monday’s media day before speaking enthusiastically about star center Joel Embiid.

“Jo is one of the most talented guys we have in the world,” James told reporters. “…For him, it’s all about health. …I see he’s done a lot of work on his body, a lot of work on his game, a lot of work on his mind this offseason.”

Asked about his expected role in his first year in Philadelphia, James replied: “Whatever they want me to do. The luxury of my game is I can do everything. … Literally, I can do everything.”

Despite the high-profile contract, the superstar won’t spend all of his time in Philadelphia.

James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he will have “multiple residences” and split his time between New York and Philly during the NBA season.

James joins a Sixers team that should be a top NBA championship contender thanks to fellow stars Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, the latter of whom was acquired from the Boston Celtics this offseason. Philadelphia also has rising star VJ Edgecombe, who was just selected to the All-Rookie First Team.

James had already declared during an episode of his Watch out for the game podcast that helping Embiid achieve playoff success was one of the driving forces behind his decision to sign with the Sixers. Although the big man is one of the most dominant forces in the game, he has been unable to take Philadelphia beyond the second round of the playoffs throughout his injury-riddled career.

“He’s done everything in our league, and the one thing he hasn’t done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him win that first one,” James said of Embiid. “He’s got a city on his back. He’s been in the Process for 10 or 12 years, however long he’s been there. But I think it’s time we take you even deeper into the Process. And I hope I can be, sort of, that last little piece that can help him get over the hump.”

On Monday, James made it clear he was motivated to bring an NBA championship to the City of Brotherly Love.

“I didn’t let my family lose in the second round, I know that,” he told reporters.

The 41-year-old also confirmed that he chose the Sixers over four other teams he was considering in free agency this summer:

Despite the high expectations he faces in his first year in Philadelphia, James told reporters he knows it will be a process for him and his new teammates to get used to each other.

“It’s going to take time,” he said. “…Everyone wants instant oatmeal. …If you want something special, it takes time and every day to do something you might not want to do.”