Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant said Saturday that LeBron James and the revamped Philadelphia 76ers possess offensive firepower rivaling his Golden State Warriors championship teams. Speaking at a USA Basketball event, Durant noted the 76ers now feature four 25-point scorers — James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey — compared to the three 20-point scorers on his Warriors squads with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. "Hell yeah, I think they're going to be a contender," Durant said.

James, 41, announced on July 24 he would join Philadelphia on a bargain two-year, $8 million contract after weeks of deliberation, spurning the Warriors, Cavaliers, and Heat. The move pairs him with Brown, acquired via trade from Boston, and instantly makes the 76ers title favorites behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. Philadelphia seeks its first championship since 1983, while James chases history as the first player to win titles with four franchises.

Durant, 37, also expressed interest in competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he could become the first men's basketball player to capture five gold medals. He and James previously won gold together in 2012 and 2024. "I stay on top of my game and hopefully I get that call," Durant said.