In one of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason, LeBron James left the Lakers after eight years in LA to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
He signed a 2-year, veteran-minimum contract worth $8 million, with a player option in the second year. Despite this two-year commitment, he may not live in Philly. Patrick Beverley, James’ former Lakers teammate and former 76ers player, thinks this isn’t that great of an idea.
Patrick Beverley Wants LeBron James to Live in Philadelphia When Playing for the 76ers
Reports have stated that LeBron is considering living in New York and commuting to Philadelphia for team activities. This is about a one-hour flight, so it shouldn’t be all too difficult, especially if he commissioned a private jet.
Beverley, upon hearing this, took to a podcast to speak on why he believes James should live in Philadelphia and embrace the city’s culture from within.
“My time there I lived in Old City, you feel me? Like I lived in Old City. I lived in Philly. The love I got in Philly was some of the best love I’ve ever experienced my entire career in the NBA. The city of brotherly love,” said Pat Bev.
He also acknowledged that there are “mixed stories” out there and that most people never really know what James is up to until he or Klutch comes out and explicitly states something.
“You would appreciate it more living in Philly and you got to bring what they want. Philly is known for like having its players backs. One thing about Philly I’ve noticed too, they know the game of basketball.”
Patrick Beverley says for LeBron James to really enjoy Philadelphia, he has to live in Philadelphia:
“I ain’t going to front. I know it’s mixed stories and we don’t never know what Bron’s doing, but my time there I lived in Old City, you feel me? Like I lived in Old City. I… https://t.co/Z7yauHBxaQ pic.twitter.com/QaY3r0tQR7
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) August 18, 2026
Basketball is perhaps the number one sport in Philadelphia. They’ve had icons like Dr. J, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson grace their hardwoods, so the notion that Philly fans know ball isn’t all too far-fetched.
James has stated that this decision was based solely on where he’d best fit on the roster. He was convinced that the 76ers were his destination after they traded for and acquired Jaylen Brown.
His official statement was also very clear-cut and rooted in the desire to go for a fifth championship. “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base.”
Reports claim that he was initially interested in joining the New York Knicks this summer. But, with them fresh off a championship, joining them would have led to fans going at him for ‘jumping on the bandwagon’.
He’s yet to reveal any information on whether or not he’ll be living in Philadelphia. If he heeds Pat Bev’s words, perhaps his outlook on the city might change.
