Love Philly? So do we. Let’s be friends.Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today.
It was long rumored, but still felt far fetched. The former Laker, Cav and Heat member who’s set multiple NBA records and created untold hours of conversation over his status among the upper echelons of basketball greats is really coming to Philadelphia.
In a statement posted on social media, LeBron James said joining the Sixers will be the final move of his career.
“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” James said.
I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026
“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.”
The reaction to the news was quick and voluminous.
“By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan… I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY,” Gov. Josh Shapiro posted online.
LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY.
By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan… I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY.
Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/JHsNkCFyyN
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 24, 2026
HIs proclamation recognized James’ “great philanthropic work” and “bright future in Philadelphia” as he “joins the Philadelphia 76ers for his best season yet.”
New Sixer Jaylen Brown, who signed with the team earlier this summer after leaving the Boston Celtics, had a much briefer response, simply posting: “#throwtheballup.” The hashtag has been used by the Sixers as a slogan to help market excitement for the upcoming season. That job of boosting interest in the team is a lot easier with James on board.
James said he really wrestled with the decision following the disappointing end to the Lakers season, which ended in a second-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give,” James wrote online.
“The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out. This is my last decision.”