How adding LeBron James affects 76ers lineup, roster, offseason grade

LeBron James picked the Philadelphia 76ers for his latest NBA free agency decision, and the move is already shifting the landscape of the entire league.

The league's all-time leading scorer announced on Friday, July 24, via social media that he's joining the Sixers in pursuit of another championship at the end of his historic career. It's a two-year deal worth $8 million, according to USA TODAY Sports, and gives Philadelphia two of the offseason's splashiest acquisitions. They also traded for former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown earlier this month. The addition of James and Brown has turned the 76ers into one of the NBA's leading title contenders heading into the 2026-27 season and they'll be the Eastern Conference team most likely picked to knock off the defending champion New York Knicks because of these moves. Here's a breakdown of what the 76ers roster and projected starting lineup will look like now that they've acquired James, as well as an offseason grade for the team's front office: How LeBron James fits with the 76ers James slots in well positionally in the Sixers' projected starting lineup as a power forward surrounded by Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown and Embiid. Maxey and Brown will provide playmaking and spacing, though James will also have to help with that as a secondary ballhandler picking his spots like he did when sharing the court with Luka Doncic. The Sixers might be vulnerable relying on James and Embiid given age and durability concerns at this point in their careers, but Brown can take on the role of defensive stopper like he did with the Celtics and there will be plenty of offensive options if this group stays healthy.