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Lakers’ LeBron James Has Take on Sixers All-Star Tyrese Maxey

What did LeBron James have to say about Tyrese Maxey recently?

Justin Grasso

Jan 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) moves the
Jan 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) moves the / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Since entering the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has earned praise from some of the league’s most notable stars. Dating back to his pre-draft process in 2020, Maxey formed a connection with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

It’s no secret James has taken a liking to Maxey’s game, and recently, the Lakers star issued a take about Maxey after watching the young guard put together a spectacular performance in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Former 76ers guard JJ Redick credited Maxey for his speed, and the way he changes his pace throughout a game. When LeBron chimed in, he praised Maxey for his stamina, which complements his speed.

“The [expletive] don’t get tired,” said LeBron. “He don’t get tired! I watched that game last night, I think he played 50 minutes I think. You know, hurt his elbow at one point, turned his ankle at one point. Hit the ground numerous times, try to go in a lane and dunk on two guys. Get it blocked, get back up. You can’t get a hold of him cause he don’t get tired.”

Maxey’s established himself as a true workhorse since joining the Sixers as a rookie in 2020. While he averaged just 15 minutes on the court then, Maxey is at the point where he starts every game, and averaged 38 minutes per night during the 2023-2024 regular season.

When the Sixers needed Maxey to pick up some more playing time during the postseason, he averaged 45 minutes on the court, while producing a career-high 30 points per game, along with seven assists, and five rebounds.

The Sixers failed to find success in the playoffs this year after getting knocked out in six games against the New York Knicks.

While the team didn’t search for silver linings after their early exit, the Sixers should feel good knowing what Maxey can bring to the table moving forward. Not only did he achieve All-Star honors for the first time, but the young guard also proved he could put together some major playoff performances.

At this point, the young guard is becoming one of the top backcourt players and some praise from one of the NBA’s future legends backs that claim.

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Justin Grasso

JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA