The Philadelphia 76ers have concocted quite an interesting roster. They have a ton of talent on board, but now it’s up to them to make it all fit together. Signing LeBron James in free agency was quite the surprise, but he’s used to playing with a star, as he just played with Luka Doncic. However, James’ relationship with Tyrese Maxey, in particular, may be even easier to develop.
When the Lakers traded for Doncic, it was clear that he was the future. And even though James has improved as a shooter and Doncic can let it fly when needed, both are on-ball players. Neither is amazing from beyond the arc. But Maxey is an elite three-point shooter and floor-spacer off the ball, which should make his relationship with James easier to cultivate.
James and Doncic worked fine together. They figured it out. But creating a great relationship with Maxey should be easier for James than the one he had to create with Doncic.
LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey should mesh perfectly
During James and Doncic’s time together in LA, they only managed to win one playoff series, and Doncic missed most of the series. James led the Lakers to a first-round win over the Houston Rockets this past year.
In order for Doncic to be at his best, he needs the ball in his hands. He needs to be making plays for others and creating shots for himself. Unfortunately, that’s where James thrives, too.
That’s also relatively true for Maxey. With the ball in his hands, Maxey is great. He can get downhill, sprint the floor, and create for himself. It’s probably when he’s at his best.
But where Maxey differs from Doncic is behind the three-point line. Unlike Doncic, Maxey is an elite three-point shooter on and off the ball, which will make it much easier for him and James to mesh.
James is inevitably going to have the ball a lot. But when he was building a relationship with Doncic, that made for at least some bumps. With Maxey and his three-point shot, especially off the ball, things should be easier.
Philly should obviously want to create some openings for Maxey to have the ball in his hands. But when James is the point guard, Maxey should still sit in beautifully.
For James, building an on-court relationship with Maxey should actually be much easier than the one he had to build with Doncic in LA. And it’s all because of the three-point shot.
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