CHICAGO -- LeBron James is truly something else. His basketball IQ and his playmaking ability continue to excel even at his advanced age and the Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of adjusting to what he brings to the table.
There was a moment in Sunday's win over the Chicago Bulls when James drove the lane, was surrounded by a sea of white jerseys, and somehow passed it out to a wide-open Tyrese Maxey, who buried a 3 to put Philadelphia up by seven with 2:13 to go and essentially put the game away.
Afterward, Maxey admitted he didn't think James saw him as he thought James was going to go up for a layup. He was ready to go up for a rebound.
"Honestly, I was like this. (he put his hands up in a rebounding motion)," Maxey said. "Thought he was about
to shoot a layup, but it’s my job to make it so."
James plays like he has eyes in the back of his head. He's always been an elite playmaker and sees one or two plays ahead as he orchestrates the offense. None of this is new to those who watch and follow the game of basketball, but to actually be a teammate of his is new. It's something Maxey is continuing to learn by the game.
"Yeah, you should always have your hands up," Maxey laughed. "You never know when you're going to get the ball and that's good."
LeBron with a ridiculous pass to Tyrese Maxey for three. Clutch. pic.twitter.com/xhx3JXyY18
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 8, 2026
James' basketball IQ is just out of this world. He's somebody who just knows basketball at a different level and the Sixers are beginning to figure that out. Even if there's a sliver of space and a chance for James to find somebody, he's going to throw that pass. That's something that makes life easier for everybody.
"You got to become a wide receiver or a catcher at that point and catch the ball and make a play," Maxey finished.
The Sixers will continue to grow and develop as they take on the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Tyrese Maxey singles out Sixers star LeBron James for his playmaking
