VJ Edgecombe plans to learn from LeBron while staying true to his game

VJ Edgecombe enters his sophomore NBA season with a much-changed roster around him. The Philadelphia 76ers added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a core that already includes Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Edgecombe responded to those moves at media day by framing the year as a continued learning process rather than a moment to change his identity.

Defense is central to Edgecombe's self-assessment. He takes pride in making life difficult for opponents and enjoys the challenge of stifling offenses. This season he wants to improve anticipation both on and off the ball—reading plays, positioning, and communication—skills he thinks he can sharpen by working alongside Brown and James. Those veterans offer examples and answers he plans to seek privately during training camp.

Edgecombe described LeBron James and Jaylen Brown as "great human beings" who are down to earth. He said he's excited LeBron is in Philly and sees the move as an opportunity to learn. To build chemistry, Edgecombe initiated an offseason group chat with Maxey, Embiid and Brown. He says those conversations helped him get to know teammates and will carry into on-court collaboration.

Edgecombe expects outside narratives and pressure but will focus inward. He framed year two as "still learning," calling himself a kid in the process of growth. That perspective shapes his plan to remain aggressive on offense, play solid defense, and do whatever the team needs him to do. He intends to keep asking questions of veteran players in private to accelerate that growth.

Practical signals to watch this season

• Shot selection and efficiency: Look for whether Edgecombe's intensified shooting work leads to better three-point percentages and smarter spot-taking.
• Usage balance: Observe how the team integrates his aggression with the playmaking and scoring of James, Embiid and Maxey.
• Defensive assignments: Track whether he becomes a go-to perimeter defender on key possessions and how his anticipation improves.
• Chemistry indicators: Preseason lineups, practice reports and in-game communication will show whether the group chat translates to cohesion on the floor.