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Knicks Legend Gives Honest Take on LeBron James’ Move to Philadelphia New York Knicks legend John Starks has shared his thoughts on LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, while also identifying the team he believes should be considered the strongest contender for the upcoming NBA season. James shocked the basketball world during the offseason when he left the Los Angeles Lakers and chose Philadelphia as the next stop in his remarkable career. The move came after the Knicks ended their long championship drought by winning the 2026 NBA title. According to Starks, the arrival of a player of James’ calibre has significantly changed the outlook surrounding the 76ers. Philadelphia already had an impressive collection of talent, including Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, before adding James and Jaylen Brown. The move has consequently placed the Sixers among the teams expected to challenge for the championship. James himself has made it clear that winning remains the main motivation behind continuing his career, saying he believes he can help Philadelphia become a championship team. Starks, however, does not appear ready to simply hand Philadelphia the title. The former Knicks star believes the reigning champions remain a major force and highlighted the difficulty of repeating as NBA champions in such a competitive league. New York enters the new season as the defending champion after defeating San Antonio in the 2026 NBA Finals. The Knicks have also retained much of the group that helped them reach the top, giving them an important advantage in terms of chemistry and continuity. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has plenty of reasons for optimism. LeBron joins a roster that features Embiid, Maxey, Brown and rising young talent VJ Edgecombe. On paper, the combination gives the Sixers one of the most talented groups in the NBA. The biggest question will be whether all of those stars can quickly develop the necessary chemistry. James is entering his 24th NBA season, while Embiid's availability and health remain important factors in Philadelphia's championship hopes. The 76ers have not won an NBA championship since 1983, so the pressure surrounding the team will be enormous. James has openly embraced that challenge, making it clear that he did not move to Philadelphia simply to make another playoff appearance. For Starks and many around the NBA, the upcoming season could therefore produce an intriguing battle between Philadelphia, New York and the other leading contenders. While the 76ers have arguably made one of the biggest offseason statements by acquiring James, the defending champions still have plenty of reasons to believe they can remain the team to beat.