CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Philadelphia 76ers are certainly feeling the impact of LeBron James at training camp. The future Hall of Famer is set to enter year No. 24 in the league and is looking to win his fifth championship while helping the Sixers win their first as a franchise since 1983.
Throughout camp, James has been vocal with everybody. He has made sure his voice is heard, he has been barking out defensive coverages, and is setting an example with his everyday routine and his work ethic for the younger players to follow. When considering James' stature in the league, when he listens or does any movement, his teammates follow and listen.
"He's consistent," said third-year man Justin Edwards. "Whatever he does the day before, he continues to do it.
Just like I said, preparation. That's really the biggest thing. Whatever he does, he's gonna do it 110% effort."
That consistent routine and ability to just put his head down and work is a big example for the youngsters to follow. Guys like Edwards, Labaron Philon Jr., VJ Edgecombe, and even Tyrese Maxey can learn from him and it makes coach Nick Nurse's job easier throughout camp.
"I think that we saw a little bit of it in the summer," Nurse stated. "He’s a very early guy, so he's in here very early, and he's got his set, straight to the weight room when he gets in, and then he's into his skill work and all that kind of stuff. So, listen, I think he's obviously in great condition. Played a long time. He knows what he's doing with that stuff. And I mean, to me it's always great to see. I always again, I'm an early person too. Fired up to get up and start my day and get working, and I like that. I think that'll transcend to some players."
For somebody like Edwards, for example, James is somebody who was drafted six months before he was even born. The 22-year-old is able to learn and take lessons from the elder statesman on the team.
"See, he's my teammate now, and I'm going on my third year," Edwards smiled. "So, it's like I'm not really, like, starstruck, but it is crazy that I have LeBron on my team. So, not a lot of people can say they was able to play with LeBron. Especially, like y’all said to me on media day, that he got drafted what, three months before I was born? Or something like six months before I was born? So that's crazy."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers discuss LeBron James impact on the team in training camp
