After months of waiting, the 2025-26 season is finally here. Of course, a new season means new opportunities for rookie players to take the court. This season, the Philadelphia 76ers have V.J. Edgecombe to focus on.
The 20-year-old rookie, of course, is more than excited to kickstart his NBA career. The 76ers kicked off their preseason with two back-to-back games, with Edgecombe scoring a combined 29 points in two outings. He is just as excited to face his idol, finally, LeBron James.
Philadelphia 76ers Rookie V.J. Edgecombe Speaks on Facing Idol LeBron James
In a recent interview with RG, Edgecombe spoke about facing James for the first time. Though the wait is a little long, Edgecombe will be able to play against James when Philadelphia hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on December 7, 2025.
“Definitely, definitely, it’s the inner child in me,” Edgecombe told RJ about James. “Someone that introduced the game to me and obviously the pedestals he is on.”
That being said, Edgecombe doesn’t just want to meet the Lakers icon; he wants to beat him. After all, very few rookies can take credit for beating an NBA star like James.
What he’s sure he wants, though, is a jersey swap.
“I doubt I get a jersey swap,” Edgecombe said about a potential swap. “I would definitely ask for one, but I’m competitive. At the end of the day, my main goal is to go there and win. We win, I’ll ask for the jersey. If we lose, I’m not asking.”
Interestingly, Edgecombe has a rule for asking. If the 76ers win, he’ll approach James. However, if they lose, he won’t ask for the exchange.
VJ Edgecombe got UP for this block 🚫
The No. 3 pick is showing out in Abu Dhabi! pic.twitter.com/Zi5scWEhNc
— NBA (@NBA) October 4, 2025
Furthermore, Edgecombe admitted to watching icons like James and Dwyane Wade playing. A budding basketball player, the Baylo graduate elaborated as he said:
“Definitely picked pieces from people I grew up watching,” Edgecombe explains. “I grew up watching D-Wade and obviously I watched LeBron. Even though I’m not 6-foot-8, but I learned a lot from him. That’s the main person.”
Edgecombe Has Labelled James as His ‘GOAT’
During a pre-draft interview, Edgecombe was asked about his NBA GOAT. Without a doubt, Edgecombe’s answer was ready to go.
“Yeah, to me that’s my GOAT,” Edgecombe said while answering.
“I remember seeing LeBron, the one when he blocked, I don’t know, if y’all remember this, but he blocked Splitter when he went down. So, like I put that in my chest, like he jammed him right there. You feel me? So that’s probably my favorite LeBron moment,” Edgecombe revealed.
Read More: V.J. Edgecombe Makes Feelings Clear on Bold Comparison With NBA Icon Vince Carter
The 76ers are already two preseason games in, losing both their games against the New York Knicks. The Lakers, on their end, lost their first preseason game 103-81 against the Phoenix Suns.
As mentioned, the 76ers are facing the Lakers on December 7, 2025, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philly.
