Why the 76ers are planning to deploy LeBron James at PG

LeBron James. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why the 76ers are planning to deploy LeBron James at PG

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jul 27, 2026 4:45 PM ET

In an era full of stars who can play multiple positions, LeBron James is still arguably the most versatile of them all. And to take advantage of his versatility, the Philadelphia 76ers may employ the NBA's all-time leading scorer at point guard.

ESPN insider Shams Charania even brought up the possibility during "NBA Today" on Monday.

LeBron James to play some point guard in 2026-27

"We're going to be looking at some point LeBron James this upcoming season. The 76ers are expecting LeBron James to play a good amount of time at the point guard position on offense, initiating the game," said Charania.

James, listed as mainly a small forward, has a track record of being one of the best facilitators in league history. He averaged 7.2 assists in 60 regular-season games in 2025-26 for the Los Angeles Lakers, carries a cumulative mark of 7.4 across his 23 seasons to date, and ranks fourth all-time in career assists with 12,016 assists, trailing only John Stockton, Chris Paul, and Jason Kidd, all quintessential point guards by nature.

James' size, athleticism, basketball IQ, ability to see the whole court and elite passing make him able to play, and even excel, at every position.

The 76ers plan to use LeBron James at point guard "a good amount" this season to help initiate the offense alongside Philadelphia's stars, per @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/fwrtdkxBxr
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 27, 2026

Tyrese Maxey has been playing PG for the 76ers

Up until James decided to take his talents to Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey, 25, was slotted in as the 76ers' point guard. Maxey, already a two-time All-Star, has already emerged as one of the top guards in the league six seasons into his career. Maxey averaged 6.6 assists to go along with his 28.3 points per game last season.

But with a starting five projected to be James, Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and V.J. Edgecombe when all are healthy, the 76ers have options for how they want to utilize their group.

James at PG could unlock more scoring from Maxey

Playing James at the point would alleviate scoring pressure off the shoulders of the 41-year-old James while also unleashing the potential for Maxey to take his game to another level offensively. Brown should receive more open shots as well.

James taking the ball up the court and serving as the main decision maker will open up space for everyone on the floor with him. It doesn't mean James will play point guard exclusively or Maxey will never return to the role at all - James is unlikely to play every game anyway. However, James at point guard on a team built like the 76ers makes sense and adds an extra dimension to the intrigue around this coming season.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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