After some poor performances to start the 2025-26 NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James was able to get back on track on Sunday night, as he had his best game of the campaign on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
James lit up the scoreboard with 29 points while helping the Lakers bounce back from a loss to the archrival Boston Celtics. The future Hall of Famer had somewhat of a throwback performance, as he went off for 10 straight points in the fourth quarter, which included some clutch three-pointers to shut the door on Philadelphia’s hopes of mounting a comeback late in the game.
After the game, rookie phenom VJ Edgcombe shared a moment with James on the court, as he was able to shake hands with James while also getting the jersey of the Lakers superstar, who he says was his “favorite player” growing up with aspirations of playing in the NBA.
76ers Rookie VJ Edgcombe Emotional About Interaction With LeBron James
With James on the verge of turning 41 later this month, on December 30, the four-time NBA MVP has played a vital part in the lives of current players in the league who weren’t even born when the iconic superstar made his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.
Edgecombe is one of those many notable players in the NBA who weren’t alive when James burst on the scene, as the 76ers’ rising star was born in 2005. The 20-year-old admitted to having mixed emotions after receiving James’ jersey on Sunday night, via ESPN NBA’s X account.
Mixed emotions for VJ playing against LeBron 😅 pic.twitter.com/yGDD7Ivydt
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 8, 2025
The Baylor product spoke to the media after the game about his experience with James, via the NBA’s X account.
“My favorite player growing up. The only reason I started playing basketball. To get his jersey means a lot to me.”
VJ Edgecombe on seeing LeBron put on a show late, and getting his jersey after the game 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Lahm4pZcu7
— NBA (@NBA) December 8, 2025
“My favorite player growing up,” Edgecombe said of James. “The only reason I started playing basketball. To get his jersey means a lot to me.”
Edgecombe is one of many young players around the league who have looked up to James, which is the same kind of impact NBA legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant had while playing during the twilight of their careers.
The real question moving forward is whether James will play in his final season in the league or if he’ll continue next season, whether that’s in a Lakers uniform or elsewhere.
