Kevin Durant Backs LeBron James and Star-Studded 76ers as 2027 NBA Title Contenders

Posted : 02 August 2026

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has tipped the revamped Philadelphia 76ers to emerge as serious contenders for the 2027 NBA championship following the arrival of LeBron James. Speaking at a USA Basketball Foundation charity event in Southern California, Durant praised Philadelphia's impressive collection of elite scorers, saying the team's offensive potential makes them one of the league's most exciting sides.

Durant compared the 76ers' lineup to the Golden State Warriors teams he played on alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, which won two NBA titles. He noted that while the Warriors were once criticized for having three prolific scorers, Philadelphia now boasts four players capable of averaging at least 25 points per game. According to Durant, the combination of James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey makes the 76ers a legitimate championship threat and a must-watch team for NBA fans.

Brown, Embiid and Maxey each averaged at least 25 points per game last season, while James has reached that mark in 20 of his 23 NBA campaigns, most recently during the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James officially announced on July 24 that he would sign with the 76ers after considering offers from several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. Durant admitted he was unaware of James' plans before the announcement, describing the veteran superstar as someone who keeps his decisions private. He added that James' move to Philadelphia is positive for both the franchise and the NBA, believing it will generate even greater excitement around the league.

Philadelphia strengthened its roster further after acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and signing James to a two-year contract. Those moves have elevated the 76ers among the favourites for the 2027 NBA title, with only the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs viewed more highly by many bookmakers.

The 76ers are chasing their first NBA championship since 1983, while James is pursuing another historic milestone. A title with Philadelphia would make him the first player in league history to win NBA championships with four different franchises.

Durant also discussed his international ambitions, revealing that he hopes to represent the United States at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. If selected and Team USA captures another gold medal, the former NBA MVP would become the first male basketball player to win five Olympic gold medals. Durant previously won Olympic titles alongside James at the 2012 London Games and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 37-year-old said earning a place on the next Olympic roster ultimately depends on USA Basketball's leadership, but stressed that he intends to maintain his high level of performance in hopes of receiving another call-up.

Kevin Durant Backs LeBron James and Star-Studded 76ers as 2027 NBA Title Contenders

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