Tyrese Maxey finally got what he had been waiting five years for—a jersey from LeBron James. After the Philadelphia 76ers’ impressive 118-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, Maxey took the opportunity to make a request he had been holding off on since entering the NBA.
Following his sensational 43-point performance, Maxey shared with reporters how he approached LeBron after the game.
“I told him after the game, I said ‘Look man. I waited five years to ask for a jersey. I know I’ve known you for a while, but I think I’m gonna get it this year. He was like ‘Alright cool’, but he’s just like a big brother to me.”
“”Same agent. I work out with him a few times every summer and we worked out at 6. I would beat him to the gym a few times. He was like ‘Nah, I can’t let that happen’ so he started getting to the gym at 5 and lifting.”
“He was in a full sweat at 5:30 once I got to the gym. I was like ‘Man, you got it, man. You win. I ain’t gonna lie’, but he’s great, man. He’s the greatest ever. Him and Jordan are right there. Neck and neck and what he’s done for our game has been amazing.”
Maxey, who shares representation with James through Klutch Sports, has spent time training with the four-time NBA champion in the offseason. While he has long admired LeBron, the 24-year-old had never asked for a jersey exchange—until now. After five years of waiting, he finally secured one of the most coveted pieces of memorabilia in the NBA.
Maxey didn’t just take home LeBron’s jersey; he also led the short-handed 76ers to a crucial victory. With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined due to injuries, the Sixers needed a big night from their star guard—and he delivered.
Maxey torched the Lakers’ defense for 43 points, shooting 15-of-26 from the field. He attacked relentlessly, hitting mid-range jumpers, driving to the rim, and making key plays in transition. His performance extended his streak of 25+ point games to 11 straight, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top young guards.
The 76ers dominated the game with their pace and defensive intensity, forcing 22 Lakers turnovers while committing just nine of their own. Their ability to capitalize on Los Angeles’ mistakes gave them a commanding lead, which they never relinquished.
LeBron, who finished the night with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, did his best to keep the Lakers in the game, but without Anthony Davis—who exited in the first quarter with an abdominal strain—the Lakers struggled to keep pace.
The jersey swap symbolized more than just a memento for Maxey—it was a moment of recognition from a player he grew up idolizing. LeBron has been an inspiration for countless young players, and Maxey’s admiration for him has been evident throughout his career.
The 76ers will now look to build on their three-game winning streak as they prepare for a difficult stretch of games, including matchups against the Kings, Nuggets, and Celtics. If Maxey continues to play at this level, Philadelphia might just have a chance to make a late-season push for the playoffs.
For Maxey, securing LeBron’s jersey was a personal milestone—but his focus remains on leading the 76ers through the challenges ahead.
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