Why LeBron James and Jaylen Brown will make the Philadelphia 76ers Bigger than Basketball

by A.R Shaw, Blackpressusa

BLACKPRESSUSA OP-ED: LeBron James picked Philadelphia to close out his career, and pairing with Jaylen Brown makes the 76ers instant contenders. But the bigger story is what the two of them do once the game ends: foundations, schools, voter mobilization, and a refusal to stay quiet.

Ai image of Lebron James & Jaylen Brown

LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers instantly made his new team title contenders on the court. But with Jaylen Brown as his teammate, it will be a win for Black initiatives off the court.​

After several weeks of contemplating his new destination, James bypassed the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavs to finish his illustrious career in Philly, a city with a significant Black community and culture.​

James, 41, will join a 76ers team that features former MVP Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecomb, and Brown, who made his way to Philly one month ago via a trade from the Boston Celtics.​

If Embiid can minimize his days missed due to injuries, the 76ers will be in prime position to challenge for an NBA championship.

Beyond the basketball court, James and Brown have both embraced leadership roles. In an era when many athletes are encouraged to “shut up and dribble” rather than speak out against injustice or invest in their communities, James and Brown have taken the opposite path, dedicating themselves to empowering the communities they represent. ​

To this generation, James and Brown are what Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were to theirs.

Since 2004, James and the LeBron James Foundation have created tangible initiatives that continue to serve the community. The I Promise school, located in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, provides education and mentorship for over 1,200 students. James also opened a Starbucks Community Store blocks away from the I Promise school, where workers earned a salary and job-training certificates for the hospitality industry. And in 2017, the NAACP awarded James with the Jackie Robinson Sports Award for his “contributions in the pursuit of social justice, civil rights and community involvement.”​

Through his 7uice Foundation, Brown launched The Bridge Program, an initiative that equips young people with skills in science, technology, and innovation. Hosted at MIT’s Media Lab, the week-long program immerses students in hands-on learning focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, climate change, food insecurity, and data visualization.

“There’s fascinating research in early childhood development showing that exposing children to new sounds and experiences helps strengthen brain development,” Brown shared during a recent keynote speech at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta. “Those new experiences stimulate neuroplasticity, strengthen neural pathways, and support cognitive development during the years when the brain is growing most rapidly…For me, that’s community. It’s investing in the next generation.”

During his keynote address, Brown also discussed the importance of integrity and revealed why so many prominent figures are incapable of speaking out against injustices.

“I’ve turned down opportunities worth millions of dollars—not because I don’t like money or don’t need it, but because I understood what came attached to those deals,” Brown shared. “A lot of people only look at the number; I look at the fine print. Many contracts with major corporations don’t just pay you. They also dictate what you can say, how you use your platform, and what opinions you’re allowed to express. Sometimes there’s language that says if you say something considered controversial—or something that could affect the company’s image—they can terminate the agreement. That’s why so many public figures stay silent. It’s not always because they don’t care. Sometimes it’s because speaking honestly could cost them their career, their endorsements, or their income.”

Brown and James have remained vocal on social issues, disregarding any pushback that may follow. In an effort to mobilize Black voters and fight voter suppression, James helped to establish “More Than Vote” and was a staunch supporter of President Barack Obama. He also took a stand following the deaths of Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin, leading teammates to wear “I can’t breathe” shirts in honor of Garner and hoodies for Martin.

During the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd, Brown drove 15 hours from Boston to his hometown Atlanta to participate in a march.

“I drove 15 hours to get to Georgia, my community,” Brown shared during a live stream at the march. “This is a peaceful protest. Being a celebrity, being an NBA player don’t exclude me from no conversations at all. First and foremost I’m a black man and I’m a member of this community… We’re raising awareness for some of the injustices that we’ve been seeing. It’s not OK.”

Brown has also spoken out against environmental justice. While speaking at MIT, Brown said, “We’re here to talk about something that affects us all, climate change. Today marks a very pivotal moment in time. The decisions that we make now will have an impact on future generations. Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a social justice issue. It’s an economic issue, and it’s also a moral imperative. As someone who prides himself on influence and responsibility, what an honor it is to talk about this topic.”

James and Brown will put in hours of work on the court in an effort to lead the 76ers to an NBA championship. But once they get an opportunity to sit down together, share resources, and implement plans to improve Black communities, their impact will be immense.

“No matter where my career goes, my integrity has to walk through the door before I do,” Brown shared during his recent keynote in Atlanta. “So when opportunities come along, I ask one question: ‘Will this allow me to remain authentic?’ If the answer is no, then I respectfully walk away. Because I’d rather keep my voice than sell it.”

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