After dropping 31 points in a blowout win over the Lakers on Monday, Tyrese Maxey earned a social media shout out from King James himself. In a story post on Instagram, James gave the young Sixer his flowers as one of the best up-and-coming stars in the game.

“Love this kid man! The work never lie and that’s why he’s so damn good,” said James. “And more importantly, he’s a better person which is insane!”

The 76ers are now at 12-5 on the season despite losing James Harden this past summer. After a red-hot start in the opening weeks, the 76ers are proving that they don’t need Harden and maybe they never did. With the Beard gone, there are more shots to go around for everybody, and Tyrese Maxey isn’t letting the opportunity go to waste. He’s really stepped up this season and even LeBron James has the kid on his radar now. By all accounts, the sky is the limit for Maxey and his potential as an NBA star.

Tyrese Maxey Is Saving The 76ers

Coming into the season, there were a lot of concerns about how the 76ers would hold up after the James Harden drama that played out in dramatic fashion. But instead of struggling in his absence, the Sixers have thrived behind the play of their stars and the schemes of Nick Nurse, who is quietly making a case for coach of the year. The success story is obviously tied to Embiid’s dominance, but the rise of Maxey is also a major driving force.

This season, Maxey is averaging a career-high 26.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game on 46% shooting. At 40% from beyond the arc, Maxey has been a highly effective perimeter scorer this season and he’s stepping up as the co-star that Embiid has needed for years now. While it’s still too early to say if this level of play is the new norm for Maxey, he could win Most Improved Player if he keeps going at this pace. In fact, if the Sixers play their cards right, they may even make a run to the Conference Finals.

76ers Are Eastern Powerhouse

Through 17 games this season, the 76ers are 12-5 including 5-2 away from home, which is one of the best records in the league as of November 29. Embiid has once again inserted himself into the MVP conversation and his numbers this season are pretty impressive at 32.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game on 49% shooting.

Thanks to the improved play of Maxey and Tobias Harris, the 76ers have been one of the early surprises this year and there are no signs of slowing down. At fourth in points per game and 13th in opponent field goal percentage, the 76ers are holding their own on both sides of the ball and the tandem of Maxey and Embiid is quickly becoming one of the best in the East. This season, championship aspirations are in full swing for Philadelphia, and LeBron James is just one of many to recognize that there’s something special brewing in the city of brotherly love.