Photo: Peter Baba

Julius “Dr. J” Erving says LeBron James’ unfinished career is one reason he does not place the former Los Angeles Lakers star among his all-time players yet. Erving explained that he generally evaluates retired players for his all-time teams, meaning James will have to complete his career before he can be placed in that context.

“I usually talk about retired players being part of all-time teams, not current players. LeBron is not retired yet, so it’s hard to put him in his position until his career is over,” Erving said during Episode 1 of Season 2 of Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson’s #WORDSWITHSCOOP.

Erving also addressed James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers, who acquired the 41-year-old veteran on a two-year deal worth approximately $8 million, with a player option for the second season and a 15% trade kicker.

“As for what’s going to happen in Philly, it’s going to be very exciting for the fans of Philadelphia and for LeBron. That particular team can set some records and win some championships, but they have to do it on the court, not with lip service,” Erving said.

James enters Philadelphia after a 23-year career in which he has appeared in 1,622 regular-season games. He has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 50.7% from the field.

The 2025-26 season was James’ age-41 campaign, and he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games. He shot 51.5% from the field and earned another All-Star selection.

Erving’s comments come from a player whose own career helped reshape the modern wing position. The four-time NBA MVP voting participant explained that centers dominated the league’s MVP race during much of his prime before guards and forwards increasingly took over.

“The forwards and guards dominate the game now. It was a game dominated by centers in my day. As a matter of fact, the MVPs from 1966 to 1982 were all centers. Oscar Robertson was the one before, and I was the one during that period. Suddenly, it became guards and forwards who were the MVPs of the league, and that has been maintained today—though I think Wemby is going to change that,” Erving said.

Erving also reflected on his 1976 transition from the ABA to the NBA and the championship he won alongside Moses Malone in Philadelphia in 1983. The 76ers went 12-1 in that postseason, sweeping the Lakers 4-0 in the Finals.

The conversation also touched on Jaylen Brown, whom Erving identified as a player capable of reaching another level if he can remain healthy.

“Health is the key issue. He’s generally played most of the games, even when some of his teammates have not. If he can stay healthy—he’s a young guy in the prime of his career—the sky’s the limit. He’s one of those guys who could be the guy,” Erving said.

Erving added that Philadelphia’s offensive success will depend on its playmakers finding open teammates and those players converting their opportunities. With James now joining Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia, Erving believes the new-look 76ers will ultimately be judged by what they accomplish on the court.