{
  "id": 15917178,
  "title": "LeBron James’ 76ers Could Do ‘Something Special,’ Says ESPN Insider",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/lebron-james-76ers-could-do-something-special-says-espn-insider",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-21T17:13:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/lebron-james-76ers-could-do-something-special-says-espn-insider-12601238"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ESPN’s Brian Windhorst hailed LeBron James' defensive prowess in his Philadelphia 76ers' victory over the New York Knicks on October 20th. Windhorst highlighted how James' ability to play center defensively, a role he has traditionally disliked, could be instrumental in the team's season. He explained that James' versatility, allowing the team to rely on different offensive players, and his defensive flexibility was a key factor in the 76ers' chance to \"do something special.\" Windhorst also noted the rarity of the assignment, stating that James has never liked playing defensive center for decades. The switch was necessary due to injuries and foul trouble, with Joel Embiid, the Sixers' leading scorer, having three fouls before halftime. Embiid suggested that James take the burden of defending Karl-Anthony Towns, a Knicks big man with multiple All-Star selections. After the break, Towns scored only four points. The Knicks were less effective offensively, managing to score just 23.8% of their field goals in the third quarter. James stepped up, contributing 14 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Despite the Sixers' overall shooting struggles, with a 27.5% three-point attempt accuracy and a poor offensive rebounding performance, James downplayed the significance of the game, emphasizing the value of learning from both positive and negative aspects. If Embiid faces more fouls in future games, the 76ers have a potential solution in James, who showcased his defensive skills against Jokic during the 2024 Paris Olympics.",
  "summary": "Brian Windhorst says one LeBron James defensive switch gives the 76ers a real edge. Here’s what the ESPN insider saw.",
  "key_points": [
    "LeBron James excelled defensively as center for 76ers, despite disliking the role.",
    "James' versatility allowed Sixers to rely on different offensive players.",
    "Knicks struggled offensively, scoring just 23.8% of field goals in third quarter."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}