Beverley sends warning to rest of NBA after seeing James-led 76ers

Patrick Beverley. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Patrick Beverley sends warning to rest of NBA after seeing LeBron James-led 76ers

By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Aug 25, 2026 2:44 PM ET

Since LeBron James decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, they have been viewed as an NBA Finals contender.

The 76ers also acquired Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics, so they add those two stars alongside Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid.

The question is this: Can the 76ers get to the NBA Finals? That will be a big topic of conversation once the season begins.

On Tuesday, former NBA player Patrick Beverley, who played with James at one point during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, had a warning for the league after seeing a video of James and his teammates take part in a workout.

“I just watched that video of Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown working out. Man, it’s trouble, man. Belt. Philadelphia Belt. Everybody’s bodies look great, Bron still dunking. If we get a little bit of this version with Philly, man without a doubt," Beverley said on social media.

Patrick Beverley on the Sixers:

“Bro, I just watched that video of Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown working out. Man, it’s trouble man. Belt. Philadelphia Belt. Everybody’s bodies look great, Bron still dunking. If we get a little bit of this version with Philly, man… pic.twitter.com/GDo6nOMK7p
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 25, 2026

Can LeBron James, 76ers win the NBA Finals?

Sure, there are concerns about how this team will work together. On top of that, Embiid's injury history is another issue.

At the end of the day, however, the 76ers should be viewed as NBA Finals contenders. ESPN had predictions that were released based on polls from the NBA insiders for the network, and they have the New York Knicks and 76ers facing off in the Eastern Conference Finals, although the Knicks earned a few more votes than the 76ers.

Only time will tell, and the Opening Night will see LeBron James and the 76ers face the defending NBA champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Matt Wadleigh

Matt Wadleigh is based in California and born and raised in the San Diego area. He studied print journalism at Fresno State for college and got to watch Paul George, Derek Carr and Davante Adams play in a Bulldogs uniform. His work has been featured at ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Sporting News, and various USA Today sites, including UCLA Wire, where he was the first managing editor

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