What happened: LeBron James enters his 24th NBA season alongside VJ Edgecombe on Philadelphia's star-heavy roster. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to reunite with James in the 76ers' rotation.
Why it matters: James gives Philadelphia a primary playmaker who can organize possessions and reduce creation demands elsewhere. In the WNBA, Napheesa Collier's return, Washington's playoff push and Las Vegas' defense shape the second-half race.
By the numbers: James' two-year, $8 million contract carries a player option. Dallas, Indiana, Atlanta and New York occupy the four-team cluster from fourth through seventh.
What to watch: Philadelphia must define its ball-handling hierarchy before the 2026-27 season. Collier's return and the four-team WNBA seed race are the next pressure points.