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In the eyes of most Philadelphians these days, LeBron James figuratively stands taller than the William Penn statue atop City Hall.
Considering that a gentleman's agreement once forbade building construction that exceeded the hat resting on Penn's head, James is breathing the rarified air reserved for champions and those who show the promise of becoming one.
James fits the bill twice over.
A four-time NBA champion --with Miami (twice), Cleveland and the Lakers -- and 10-time finalist, James was wooed by Sixers management to serve as catalyst in the capture of the franchise's first NBA championship since 1983.
As the final piece of the puzzle, James sits squarely at the center.
On Media Day, the NBA's career scoring leader stated his hope that his experience, knowledge and "blueprint" will factor prominently in a championship season.
"I've seen everything that this league has to offer on the floor and off the floor, so I hope that every single day with my approach to the game, approach to the work, that it can translate to every single guy," James said.
In July, the Sixers joined the ranks of contenders throughout the years who recruited a prospective savior to boost the team over the top.
The four-year span from 1977 to 1980 alone featured three personnel moves that factored significantly in postseason advancement.
The drafting of Pitt's Tony Dorsett by Dallas in 1977 provided the running threat that was integral to the team's Super Bowl XII championship.
The acquisition of .300 hitter Bill Madlock 69 games into the 1979 season sparked Pittsburgh's run to the 1979 World Series title.
A late-season trade of Butch Goring from Los Angeles to the Islanders in 1980 helped to define New York's four-year Stanley Cup dynasty.
Entering his record 24th NBA season, James will complement 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid in a stacked Sixers lineup.
Amid the fanfare of attempting to do something in Philly that hasn't been accomplished since the days of Dr. J and Moses Malone, James is also seeking to become the first NBA player to win a championship with four different teams.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," James posted on the day he announced his decision to sign with the Sixers. In the final accounting of a superstar's career, the number of team championships trumps statistics, wealth, and status symbols.
When Tom Brady left the Patriots, he signed with Tampa Bay and won another Super Bowl.
Financially secure, Brady had been chasing another ring, not a boatload of money.
James has done the same. His two-year, $8 million contract has been described as a bargain deal for the 76ers.
As for influences on a team's trajectory, a change in leadership can also be consequential.
As the successor to Billy Martin as manager of the Yankees in July 1978, Bob Lemon inherited a team that was 10.5 games out of first place.
Described by Reggie Jackson as "a tough old guy with an even disposition," Lemon righted the ship and piloted the Yankees to a World Series triumph.
Ultimately, however, the athlete claims the laurels.
If the upcoming NBA season concludes with a victory parade down Broad Street, expect the stature of King James to be elevated to unprecedented heights.
In the City of Brotherly Love and across time.
Jim Caltagirone writes a monthly column for the Mirror.