The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night behind an incredible late-game performance from LeBron James. He had 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists on the night, but had 10 consecutive points for the Lakers in the final five minutes of the game. And one of the people most in awe of what LeBron did on Sunday was 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe.
Edgecombe was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, selected by the 76ers after their dismal 2024-25 campaign. Edgecombe brought immediate hope to the organization, scoring 34 points in his NBA debut while having a contagious positive spirit that made him a fan favorite on draft night.
He spoke on Sunday night about the impact that James’ career has had on him personally, and revealed that he even got a jersey from the Lakers superstar, via the NBA on X:
“To be honest, that’s my favorite player growing up. The only reason I started playing basketball. To get his jersey means a lot to me. But I wanted to win. It would’ve felt better to win and get his jersey.
Edgecombe did not have his best game against the Lakers, scoring 15 points on 5-of-13 from the field to go along with five rebounds and three assists. What he did get, though, was a front row seat to a vintage LeBron performance, something he’s clearly excited to have witnessed, even if he would have preferred the win.
But it shows just how remarkable James’ career is. He has been playing at a high level for so long, he is putting up 29 points in games against players who were born after he was drafted — July 30, 2005 — and whose entire careers were inspired by him.
It will be incredible to see how many players like Edgecombe ultimately make their way into the league that only started playing because of LeBron, and will still get to face off against him.
LeBron James felt like himself in win over 76ers
LeBron James hit two long 2s and two 3s over a four-minute stretch at the end of the game, taking over in a way many thought was no longer possible after the slow start the Lakers star has had to the season. After all, this was LeBron’s first game after his historic double-digit scoring streak came to an end.
After the win, he spoke about what he’s been feeling so far this season and how glad he was to have a truly vintage James performance in a Lakers victory.
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