Derek Fisher: Jaylen Brown is the real reason LeBron James signed with the 76ers

Why did LeBron James really pick Philadelphia?

The Philadelphia 76ers' new starting five has been the biggest topic in the league all offseason, and it's easy to see why. Adding both Jaylen Brown and LeBron James instantly put the Sixers on everyone's championship radar. But according to Hall of Famer Derek Fisher, none of it happens without one specific move: the trade that sent Brown to Philadelphia in exchange for Paul George.

Fisher didn't mince words when explaining LeBron's decision. In his eyes, the future Hall of Famer never seriously considers Philly as his next stop if Brown isn't already wearing the jersey.

Fisher's take: Brown was the deciding factor

"I don't think he would've gone if they didn't have Jaylen Brown," Fisher said. "Right now if you're a veteran guy that's looking for an opportunity to be on a championship-contending team... an addition like Jaylen Brown to where Philly already was put them in that short list of teams."

That's a pretty direct statement, and it lines up with what everyone knows about how LeBron operates at this stage of his career — he chases winning environments, not just paychecks or market size.

LeBron's exit from LA wasn't about losing it was about chaos

Here's the part that gets overlooked: LeBron didn't leave the Lakers because they stopped winning. It was the constant behind-the-scenes noise in Los Angeles that pushed him out the door. So when Brown already in Philadelphia and reportedly pushing for LeBron to join him — came calling, the decision got a whole lot simpler.

• Jaylen Brown and LeBron James are set to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Brown is being credited as the key factor that made LeBron's move possible.
• LeBron's departure from LA was reportedly driven by organizational chaos, not lack of success.
• Brown's presence made the Sixers a legitimate title contender in LeBron's eyes.

The pressure now falls on Jaylen Brown

LeBron may be the face of this new-look Sixers roster, but plenty of people around the league are pointing out that the actual weight of making this thing work rests on Brown's shoulders. His athletic, attacking style of play is exactly what's going to determine whether Philadelphia rises to the top of the East or fades into another disappointing chapter.

It's not just about stats, either. Brown's voice in the locker room, his ability to lead by example, and his willingness to be the relentless two-way force that made him such a hot trade chip all matter here. On the floor, it's about him and his teammates executing — nothing more, nothing less.

What this means going forward

If Brown plays the way he did during his run carrying the Boston Celtics deep into the playoffs, and LeBron does what he's always done — find the open man and control the pace — this partnership could click faster than expected. Both stars will need to settle into leadership roles quickly, but if the chemistry is there, Philadelphia's path to the postseason could look a lot smoother than anyone predicted.

One thing's for sure

The Sixers didn't just get a superstar — they got two guys who now have every reason to prove this trade and this signing were worth it.