From Skepticism to Sunburned Jerseys: Philly's LeBron Obsession with On SI’s Austin Krell

The Philadelphia 76ers just had one of the most stunning offseasons in NBA history, and Hoopsology sat down with Sixers beat writer Austin Crowell (Sports Illustrated) to break down exactly how it all came together. In this episode, Austin walks through the chain of events that led to LeBron James and Jaylen Brown both landing in Philadelphia — from the Celtics' surprising willingness to move Brown, to the behind-the-scenes factors that shaped LeBron's free agency decision. He shares insight into new president of basketball operations Bob Myers' vision for the roster, the fit questions surrounding Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid, and why frontcourt depth behind Embiid could be the team's biggest concern heading into the season. The conversation also dives deep into fan culture, with Austin offering a rare inside look at what Philadelphia sports fandom is really like — separating myth from reality, explaining what earns a player the city's love (and what doesn't), and describing the borderline surreal reaction across the city since LeBron's signing, from renamed radio stations to a fan who sunburned "James 23" into his back. Finally, Austin discusses the pressure facing this newly stacked roster, how LeBron's arrival compares to other iconic Philly sports moments like Bryce Harper and Saquon Barkley, and what a season with championship-or-bust expectations could look like for the Sixers. 🏀 Subscribe to Hoopsology Podcast for in-depth NBA conversations, insider interviews, and breaking news breakdowns you won't find anywhere else. 👉 Follow Austin Crowell: Sports Illustrated (SI.com) and on Twitter/X @NBACorral 👉 Drop a comment: Do you think this Sixers roster can win a championship? #Sixers #Philadelphia76ers #LeBronJames #JaylenBrown #Hoopsology #NBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices