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By Anne Erickson
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The Philadelphia 76ers' x-factor heading into the fresh season isn't hard to find.
It's LeBron James.
Adding one of the greatest players in NBA history changes the entire outlook for a team that has spent years searching for a way to get over the championship hump. The Sixers already have talent with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and a deeper supporting cast. What they haven't had is a player with LeBron's experience when the pressure reaches its highest point.
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That's why James is the x-factor.
The expectations will be different at this stage of his career. Philadelphia doesn't need LeBron to carry an offense the way he did during his prime. The Sixers need him to be the steady hand, the game closer and the player who understands what it takes to survive a long playoff run.
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Championship teams are often decided by the moments that don't get all the attention. A smart possession. The right pass. Knowing when to take over and when to let someone else shine. Those are areas where James has built one of the greatest careers in basketball history.
The biggest question is simple: Can LeBron James still lead a team to a championship?
If he can stay healthy and turn back the clock when the postseason arrives, Philadelphia suddenly becomes a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.
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The Sixers also added guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the No. 22 overall pick, giving them another young ball handler behind Maxey.
But rookies need time. Stars decide championships.
For the 76ers, the 2026-27 season will come down to whether LeBron James can still provide that championship-level difference. If he can, Philadelphia might finally have the missing piece it's been looking for a long time.
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