"You're the guy that creates the rings" - Derek Fisher shuts down claims LeBron James is ring-chasing in Philadelphia

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LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a shocking two-year, $8 million deal. With the blockbuster signing, he teams up with a star-studded roster bannered by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and the newly added Jaylen Brown.

Many fans and pundits have shared their views on the move, but among them, an all-too-familiar take has once again emerged: LeBron is chasing rings, this time in Philadelphia.

Because of the team's star players, many have argued that James could not resist sharing the court with players of such caliber for an easier chance of winning his fifth NBA championship. They pointed to his past moves to the Miami Heat, his second tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher begged to differ. For him, James is not chasing a ring in Philly or has never chased one for that matter. If anything, he believes James has always been the one to bring championship aspirations – and ultimately titles – to every franchise he signs with.

"You're not ring chasing when you're the guy that creates the rings!" Fisher said during an appearance on 97.1 The Fan.

There's a common theme in his championships: James was surrounded by elite, sometimes even Hall-of-Fame-level talent.

During his first tenure in Cleveland, the St. Vincent–St. Mary High School prodigy was able to keep the once-struggling franchise consistent contenders, but could not lead them all the way. This ultimately forced him to make "The Decision"in 2010 and join forces with fellow stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Heat, a move that drew intense scrutiny, especially after the team made four straight Finals appearances and won two straight championships.

Then in 2014, he returned to Cleveland, teaming up with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and a solid supporting cast. Although it took two years, the King ultimately delivered, helping end the franchise's championship drought.

They never won again in the next two Finals appearances, prompting another departure by James. This time, he signed with the Lakers. After missing the playoffs in his first year with the storied franchise, James won his fourth title and the Lakers' 17th with the likes of Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard helping him.

However, while everyone focuses on his teammates and how they helped him win, Fisher highlighted the true common denominator: LeBron and how he led them to the mountain top. He said he is no different than the other all-time greats in history, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

"It's not about what team the guy is on. It's about what team... It's about where he is, not the city or the team," Fisher said. "He didn't chase rings. Where he went, the rings followed."

The Sixers reached the second round last year, losing to the eventual champions, the New York Knicks. However, that series showed the promise of the Philly team when Maxey, Embiid and Edgecombe were healthy and playing together.

According to multiple reports, James was not even considering the 76ers as a serious destination on his list of suitors, including the Heat, Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Then the Boston Celtics traded a prime Brown to the Sixers. Suddenly, James was intrigued – and ultimately sold.

Still, Fisher argued that James getting to Philly was not an automatic ring. He believes the four-time champion will make the difference.

"It's not like a ring is sitting in Philadelphia, and he's going to chase it. His addition will increase the chances of them getting it," he said. "They look good on paper without them, but they may not win it without him either, and they could also come up short with him."

In a sense, James has admitted he is chasing another ring, but not in the way people have viewed it. He believes he has the best chances in Philly. But as history has told us time and again, wherever James goes, the rings follow.

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jul 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.