LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers appears to be driven by his desire to keep competing for championships before the end of his career.
Even before James takes the court in a Sixers uniform, two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo has already expressed his belief in what James can accomplish in Philadelphia.
Rajon Rondo Backs LeBron James and New-Look 76ers
The 76ers franchise made a major statement this offseason by acquiring Jaylen Brown. With Brown joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe, the new-look 76ers quickly became a star-studded team.
The roster reportedly impressed James, who ultimately joined Philadelphia by agreeing to a two-year contract.
During an appearance on the “Road Trippin’ podcast,” Rondo shared his thoughts on Philadelphia’s revamped roster and expressed strong confidence in James new team’s championship chances.
“Brilliant move,” Rondo said. “Bron is, you know, the king on the chessboard. You know, he has a lot of all the pieces, all the right pieces to make the right moves.”
Rondo believes James now has the type of supporting cast that could allow him to satisfy his title hunger. In particular, he pointed to Maxey as one of the most important young players around the four-time champion.
“If you give him these types of pieces to play with, you know, I’m an early bet with them being the favorites to win. In my book, I’m not a bettor, but if I was to bet, I would bet the Sixers early.”
The reigning NBA champions, the New York Knicks, understandably enter the season as one of the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference.
However, Rondo believes Philadelphia could be the team capable of giving New York the biggest challenge for the collective hunger within their new-look roster.
“They can all spread out,” Rondo continued. “You got the combination of hunger, wanting to prove something. You know, obviously, the JB, Bron and Embiid, you got a nice combination of guys who have a lot of fuel and a fire left to prove something this year and again in the playoffs.”
Last season, James almost single-handedly carried the Los Angeles Lakers when the team’s star duo, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, were sidelined due to injuries
However, Rondo believes James could benefit significantly from having multiple offensive weapons around him in Philadelphia.
The two-time NBA champion also said Embiid’s relationship with James could become especially important in the postseason. If the Sixers’ superstar center is willing to embrace the 41-year-old’s experience and leadership, Rondo believes Philadelphia could finally have the right formula to break through.
The 76ers have not won a title since 1983. The combination of Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George failed to live up to the billing during their two seasons together.
Injuries and availability problems were major reasons behind Philadelphia’s struggles over the past two seasons, and fitness will remain one of the biggest challenges ahead.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.