VJ Edgecombe never imagined he’d get the opportunity to share an NBA court with LeBron James, let alone become his teammate with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Now, as James prepares to begin his record-extending 24th NBA season at 41 years old, Edgecombe is still trying to process the enormous age gap between them.
The 21-year-old guard admitted he once believed James would retire long before he had the chance to reach the league.
“I ain’t gonna lie, I thought he was going to retire like a few years ago,” Edgecombe said. “So I’m like, ‘Man, I’ll never catch LeBron James in the NBA.”‘
“He’s exactly old enough to be my dad, which is crazy,” he added. “His son is older than me, which is crazy.”
Edgecombe made the comments during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, highlighting just how remarkable James’ longevity has become.
The four-time NBA MVP entered the league in 2003, nearly two decades before Edgecombe was selected third overall by Philadelphia in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Even James’ eldest son, Bronny, is older than Edgecombe, having celebrated his 22nd birthday on October 6.
And Edgecombe isn’t the only Philadelphia player struggling to believe he’s now sharing a locker room with one of basketball’s greatest players.
Veteran teammate Jaylen Brown, who grew up watching James dominate the NBA, admitted the experience still feels surreal.
“The 12-year-old in me is, like, over the moon,” Brown said. “No glaze, but you’re playing with one of the greatest.”
For Edgecombe, the opportunity comes after an impressive rookie campaign in which he averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
The young guard also connected on 35 percent of his three-point attempts, establishing himself as an important part of Philadelphia’s future.
The Sixers have already shown their confidence in his development, exercising his $12.2 million team option for the 2027-28 season on Monday.
Philadelphia also holds a $15.4 million team option for the following campaign.
With James entering his first season in Philadelphia, Edgecombe will now get the opportunity he once thought was impossible.
The Sixers open their 2026-27 campaign Tuesday against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
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