76ers star LeBron James identifies not-so-secret sauce behind Philly’s 8-1 start

LeBron James, while discussing the Sixers' 8-1 start.

"We got a good team. Guys vibe with one another, guys like each other, guys enjoy being around each other. That has a lot to do with it too. It makes the game a lot easier when you enjoy being around people." pic.twitter.com/4wlpJzkOWx

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) November 5, 2026

James also sees some of the same traits that defined his past contenders.

“Those teams just had consistency throughout the whole year. We didn’t want to take too many steps backwards,” James said. “We understood what the assignment was, and we all held each other accountable. And I think early on, I kind of see that here as well, but it’s a long season. And it’s too early to be talking about the Finals and things of that nature. It’s November 4th, I think it is.”

“We got to hold each other accountable, especially on the floor, but off the floor as well,” he added.

That togetherness was on display against Detroit. The Pistons rallied from a 17-point deficit late, but Jaylen Brown came up with a huge block on Cade Cunningham with 37 seconds left to help seal it. Brown finished with a season-high 30 points, while Joel Embiid added 26 points and 15 rebounds.

James did a bit of everything, posting 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. He also became the first player in NBA history to make 16,000 field goals.

The early returns have been strong for James in Philadelphia. The four-time champion picked the Sixers over the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency, signing a two-year deal with hopes of chasing another title.

So far, that bet is paying off. The Sixers will look to keep the good vibes going when they visit the Cavaliers on Friday.

Related: 76ers news: Skip Bayless declares the East runs through Philadelphia: ‘Sorry Stephen A.’

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