‘Where’s LeBron?’: Trio of Sixers star off the court in the Season 6 premiere of ‘Abbott Elementary’
Plenty of Philly sports stars like Jalen Hurts and Kyle Schwarber have made cameos, too. Could LeBron James be next?
The 76ers are back in school. And this time, they brought three of their biggest stars.
Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe made surprise appearances on Wednesday night’s Season 6 premiere of Abbott Elementary, adding another chapter to the Philadelphia sports world’s growing relationship with Quinta Brunson’s hit ABC sitcom.
The episode, titled “Jungle Classroom,” featured the three Sixers alongside Abbott teacher Jacob Hill, played by Chris Perfetti, in a storyline involving a playground project and a case of mistaken basketball identities.
The joke centers on Jacob’s unfamiliarity with the Sixers, as he gets fooled by people pretending to be members of the team. It’s a fitting predicament for a character whose good intentions have never quite guaranteed good judgment.
The appearance also comes at an interesting time for the real-life Sixers. Brown is preparing for his first season with the Sixers after arriving from the Boston Celtics via a trade in July, while Maxey and Edgecombe are returning alongside a roster that also now includes LeBron James.
And while James didn’t join his teammates in the Abbott episode, Brunson has already entertained the possibility of getting the NBA superstar onto the show.
The West Philadelphia native recently told Extra that, as a Sixers fan, she would want to discuss the team’s strategy with James first.
It’s hardly the first time Abbott Elementary has blurred the line between Philadelphia sports and prime time television.
During the show’s Season 3 premiere in February 2024, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts appeared virtually for a school career day, only to find himself roped into an ill-fated marriage proposal involving teacher Melissa Schemmenti (played by Lisa Ann Walter). Jason Kelce and Brandon Graham eventually joined the video call, teasing their quarterback about his involvement.
The Phillies got their turn last season when Kyle Schwarber appeared in an episode filmed at Citizens Bank Park. The production coincided with Schwarber’s historic four home run performance against the Atlanta Braves in August 2025.
The Flyers have been represented, too, although not by a player. Their beloved mascot, Gritty, appeared in the Season 2 premiere, bringing his signature chaos to the fictional elementary school.
The Sixers have long had a place in the show’s Philadelphia universe. Janine Teagues, played by Brunson, once dressed as James Harden for Halloween, complete with an oversized fake beard. The teachers also competed over courtside Sixers tickets in a Season 2 episode.
Former Sixer Andre Iguodala also has made an appearance.
For Brunson, those references have helped establish the show’s distinctly Philadelphia identity. Rather than simply setting the comedy in the city, Abbott Elementary has repeatedly embraced its teams, athletes, and famously passionate fans.
Now Maxey, Brown, and Edgecombe can add television guest star to their resumés.
And with James wearing a Sixers uniform, there’s still a big name left for Brunson to recruit.
Abbott Elementary airs Wednesdays on ABC and streams the following day on Hulu.
After an exciting Sixers offseason highlighted by the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, join Inquirer beat writers Gina Mizell and Chris Hine for a preview of the season. Watch here.
Watch the full interview below and subscribe to the Sixers Extra podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
