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See the full story · 3 sources'You Can't Trick These People' -- NBA Champion Predicts Philadelphia Fans' 'Ruthless' Reaction if LeBron James' 76ers Stint Goes South
LeBron James’ free-agency saga ended with his stunning move to the Philadelphia 76ers, but now the discussion has shifted to how he will mesh with his new team.
Amid the discourse, 2011 NBA champion Brendan Haywood cautioned the 22-time All-Star that Philadelphia’s demanding fan base could quickly turn critical if the team fails to meet expectations.
Brendan Haywood Issues Reality Check on LeBron James’ 76ers Move
When James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, they were mired in one of the darkest stretches in franchise history. However, he swiftly led them to the 2020 championship inside the Orlando bubble, earning him the respect of LA’s loyal fan base.
As James heads to Philadelphia, he is chasing his fifth title in Year 24 and has expressed confidence that he can help turn the 76ers into champions, along with excitement about “energizing a new fan base.”
The Philadelphia faithful are obviously elated to land the four-time MVP, but Haywood cautioned James and Klutch Sports that 76ers fans will not be easily swayed if the team underperforms.
“I was at the All-Star Game when Philly booed Kobe Bryant, their own beloved child. ‘Booo!’ In Philly, if it ain’t right, they’re letting you know. They’re not playing the spin game,” Haywood told Ric Bucher on the “Finding the Seams” podcast.
“They’re not going to let you spin it. Like Klutch ain’t going to be able to spin this through the media. Nah, if they [are] mad at LeBron, it’s going to be, ‘Booo!’ It’s going to be the Philly sports radio shows and everything.”
Philadelphia fans already went toe-to-toe with Klutch Sports during the Ben Simmons saga. Represented by Klutch, the 2016 No. 1 pick requested a trade after his disappointing 2021 playoff campaign, and 76ers fans completely rejected the firm’s PR narrative.
MORE: Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Raises ‘Two Big Questions’ for 76ers After LeBron James, Jaylen Brown Acquisitions
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported at the time that the fan backlash was one of the factors that led Simmons to ask out. So, Haywood isn’t wrong to warn James.
“The Philly fan base is one of the most ruthless and aggressive fan bases, and you can’t trick these people, man. You can’t tell them it’s raining when it’s not,” Haywood continued.
“They’re not that type of crowd. So if they look out there and they see LeBron not hustling on defense, or if they look out there and they see Tyrese Maxey not getting proper usage, these Philly fans, they’re going to call it out.”
Still, there is plenty of optimism surrounding Philadelphia’s revamped roster, as James joins Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey to form one of the NBA’s most talented lineups.
The 41-year-old has shown no signs of tailing off, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 60 regular-season games during the 2025-26 season.
If James maintains a similar level of production and the 76ers’ star-studded lineup develops the chemistry many expect, Philadelphia could be in position to compete for its first title since 1983. Should that happen, James may earn the same admiration from 76ers fans that he enjoyed in LA.
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