But a week before, he was apparently on the campaign trail in his attempt to lay the groundwork in his hopes of getting the future Hall of Famer to choose the 76ers.
LeBron James reacts on the court during the Knicks’ win over the Lakers on Feb. 1, 2026 at the Garden. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
James went up to the former president and secretary of state before Shapiro, an avid sports fan, chimed in and made his pitch to get the 22-time All-Star to the 76ers, Puck reported.
Whether or not that moment last week made a difference is unclear, but James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia to make the 76ers one of the Eastern Conference’s most formidable teams.
Shortly after the news broke Friday morning, the Democratic head of Pennsylvania took to social media to celebrate and declare July 24 as LeBron James Day.
“LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY,” Shapiro wrote on X. “By the power vested in the 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.”
James, in his own thread on X, said this decision had nothing to do with money.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks before President Donald Trump arrives at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., during the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit on July 15, 2026. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
The deal with the 76ers — choosing them over rumored contenders, including the Heat and the Warriors — was all about putting him in the best position to win another NBA title.
“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 wrote. “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 76ers last won an NBA championship in 1983, so if James can get them over the hump, there could be another celebration in his honor in another 11 months.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: James Harden #1 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the third time in his illustrious career, LeBron James ripped the hearts out of Cleveland Cavaliers fans everywhere. This time is undoubtedly worse than in 2018 when he left for Los Angeles, which seemed expected. But James was saying and doing the things one would expect of someone making their way back to where it all began, a sentimental return to make even the coldest NBA hearts melt just a little.
[Insert fart noise here]
The Cavs waited patiently, or maybe impatiently behind the scenes, for James to decide what to do with his NBA career. They watched Dean Wade, a stout wing defender, leave for the Philadelphia 76ers (an omen of things to come, apparently). Keon Ellis, whom many around the league thought was a sneaky-good get last year, went to the Brooklyn Nets. Cleveland has not signed or traded for anyone new, with their only acquisitions being a second-round draft pick. James Harden is still a free agent, and the Cavs have the inside track on re-signing him.
But the thunderous collapse of plaster and concrete around them is LeBron James with the rejection, signing with the Sixers on a deal similar in length and dollar amount to De’Andre Jordan. It was a catastrophic blow to the Cavs’ otherwise silent offseason.
Now the pivot is on, and the options are bleak.
Jonathan Kuminga is a perennial “what-if” prospect who has clashed with coaches and had trouble staying healthy, but he would certainly help. Max Strus and Dennis Schroder are reportedly still available via trade, though the Cavs may have to keep them now. There are trades out there, there always are, but the NBA’s business for the summer is mostly done. The Cavs gambled that they were getting James, and bet wrong.
Normally, a team that makes the Conference Finals running it back is fine. But these Cavs are not fine, nor were they dispatched in a way that makes you think they are close to the NBA Finals. In fact, they may not be a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. The star power in the starting lineup will win them a lot of games, but their ceiling is certainly capped come playoff time, barring a dramatic acquisition or internal improvement from Evan Mobley.
Meanwhile, James’ Sixers move to the top of the conference. The New York Knicks just won a championship. The Boston Celtics still have Jayson Tatum and find ways to win games. The Toronto Raptors are still probably getting Kawhi Leonard. Down in South Beach, Giannis Antetokounmpo is motivated with a better roster around him. We haven’t even gotten to the Detroit Pistons — who were the top seed in the East last year — or the Atlanta Hawks —who won more games against the Knicks in the playoffs last season than anyone else.
The Cavs have the talent to be a top-three seed in the East, if everything goes according to plan. They are also teetering toward being unequivocally broken, gutted at losing out on a player they desperately needed not only on the court but in the locker room. The players certainly will not admit that, but this is a team that now needs to do the one thing that has been terrible at for years: overcoming adversity.
Blowing up teams is not as lucrative as it used to be. The Cavs cannot simply hit the eject button and wind up with a ton of first-round picks and young prospects for their top-end players. Jaylen Brown, an NBA Finals MVP and MVP candidate last season, was traded for the decaying corpse of Paul George and some subpar first-round picks. This is a different landscape for transactions.
If you want something positive, the Cavs have locked up Donovan Mitchell for the long-haul with a contract extension. He is their bona fide star, the 1A to lean on and build around. Mobley is still young. Jarrett Allen is a bargain for what his contract is. Jaylon Tyson has some promise. Their cap sheet is a little cleaner than it was a few months ago. Cleveland should be a playoff team, but they have missed a lot of “shoulds” over the last few years. That heartburn still persists.
The Cavs probably thought they “should” have landed James. Their offseason of inaction lends me to believe that they expected a better outcome, clearing the deck for the return of the King. Now they have to pick up the pieces and move on, pushing forward in a way they have never had to do before. This is the type of motivation that should be the kindling to stoke their internal fires, hitting that extra gear to prove to themselves that they didn’t need James and the circus to come to town.
Let’s hope they don’t miss that “should” next season.
That’s what LeBron James’ agent and business partner, Rich Paul, said in the aftermath of the arguably greatest basketball player of all time joining the 76ers on Friday.
Schefter, a longtime NFL insider who has dabbled in NBA reporting over the years, said to 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia earlier this week that James was likely heading to Miami, where he played from 2010 through 2014, winning two championships.
“My guess would be where there’s smoke there’s fire,” Schefter said on the program. “I got a text, literally, I could go back to the date. I think it was June 30th, and said, ‘Just be ready for LeBron to go to Miami.'”
Rich Paul on Adam Schefter saying he heard LeBron was going to Miami:
"All the speculation was so far left. I felt bad for my guy Adam Schefter; somebody sold him a lemon."
Schefter added, “That was the text I got way back when, first day. And we’ll see if it holds up and it turns out to be true.”
Well, it wasn’t.
Paul recorded a Friday episode for his show “Game Over” on The Ringer, which is also co-hosted by Max Kellerman.
“All the speculation, as you could see, was so far left,” Paul noted on the show, while acknowledging how much fun the process was. “I felt bad for my guy Adam Schefter; somebody sold him a lemon.
Adam Schefter is pictured in November 2025. Getty Images
“It’s just one of those things.”
James agreed to a two-year deal worth $8 million Friday, with the second year being a player option as the future Hall of Famer will maintain flexibility following this season.
James joins a starting five that will likely include former NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, former league MVP Joel Embiid and Rookie of the Year finalist VJ Edgecombe.
LeBron James is hugged by Rich Paul on February 7, 2023, after becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. NBAE via Getty Images
Paul, via Klutch Sports, also represents Maxey.
The 76ers have already been joined Knicks territory as far as being Eastern Conference championship favorites across the sportsbooks.
However, both teams trail the Thunder and Spurs as the title favorites heading into next season.
James is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and play alongside Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in an effort to win the 76ers' first NBA championship since 1983, when the roster included Moses Malone, Julius Erving and Maurice Cheeks.
The 76ers swept Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in four straight games that year.
Here's what we know about James' first potential press conference in Philadelphia:
It remains unclear if LeBron James will have an official introductory press conference with the 76ers.
James did not have an introductory press conference with the Lakers when he joined the team in 2018. He did not speak to the media in Los Angeles until media day.
The four-time MVP has not participated in an introductory press conference since deciding to join Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade as a member of the Miami Heat in 2010.
“There’s not going to be an introductory press conference,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst during the July 23 episode of “First Take.” “You don’t have to get it ready. After ‘not 5, not 6, not 7’ LeBron is done with introductory press conferences. … If he does one, it’ll be on his platforms and not an open thing that you’re gonna have.”
Miami’s social media team accidentally published a scheduled YouTube livestream titled "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference." It was later deleted from the platform.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 26: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in the first half at Capital One Arena on April 26, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The LeBron James sweepstakes have concluded. On Friday morning, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and 22-time All-Star announced that his next — and almost certainly last — chapter will take place on the East Coast, where he’ll team with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, V.J. Edgecombe, and the Philadelphia 76ers.
It’s no secret that the Golden State Warriors were holding out hope that James would join his close friend (Draymond Green), a superstar he reveres (Steph Curry), and a coach he deeply respects (Steve Kerr). It never seemed like a very likely option, but it was one worth chasing. In the end, however, he chose elsewhere, leaving the Warriors scrambling to fill out their roster.
In the time between James announcing his plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and choosing a new team, the vast majority of the league’s free agents signed elsewhere, leaving limited options for the Dubs. They have to add at least one more player (in addition to re-signing Green, who opted out to provide the team extra fiscal flexibility as they chased James).
So who might that be? Here are some of the best options.
DeMar DeRozan
My guess is that, with James off the board, DeRozan has moved to the top of the board for the Warriors. On the one hand, he’s not a great fit with Golden State: he doesn’t shoot threes, he’s not exactly known for his ball movement, he’s not the biggest fan of defense, and he’s firmly and loudly on the opposite side as Curry in the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef (DeRozan, I should add, is on the right side).
On the other hand, he might be just what the Warriors need, especially with Jimmy Butler III out. DeRozan is still a certified bucket getter. Even in a down year last season, he still averaged 18.4 points per game and shot nearly 50% from the field. He’s exactly what the Warriors need when Curry is on the bench or taking a night off: the type of player you can give the ball to, clear out, and ask him to go get a bucket. He has the aggressive mentality that has helped Butler shine on the Warriors, and draws free throws at a high rate.
For all their flaws last year, the Warriors biggest issue was simply that they didn’t have enough people who can get a bucket. DeRozan, who will be affordable after being bought out by the Sacramento Kings, can help fix that.
Bradley Beal
As a pure basketball player, Beal fits better than DeRozan. While also an isolation scorer, his style is catered to what the Warriors do more than DDR’s. He’s a career 37.6% shooter from deep, including 40.7% in his last two healthy seasons. But he’s a worse fit on the Warriors for the simple reason that he’s even less interested in defense than DeRozan, and has played 202 games over the last five seasons, compared to 383 for DeRozan. If the Warriors are going to stick with older veterans, they’d be smart to go for durable ones, and DeRozan is a remarkably durable player. But if he’s off the board, Beal has a lot of skills that would fit.
Lonzo Ball
The Warriors were tied to Ball at the buyout deadline last year, before ultimately going in a different direction. I’ll say this much: they can’t just get Ball. He’s one of the most injury-prone players in the NBA: he played 35 games last year, 35 games the year before, and 35 games three years prior, with two missed seasons in between. 105 games over five years is not what an aging and injure Warriors team needs.
They can’t rely on Ball, but they sure can take a flyer on him. Ball’s favorite things are moving the rock quickly, and playing defense. And despite the ugly aesthetics of it, his three-point shot is fairly reliable. Is it any surprise that Kerr wants him on his team?
Chris Boucher
Reunion, anyone? Boucher began his career on the Warriors, logging exactly one minute in the 2017-18 championship season. He then went on to have a very successful career with the Toronto Raptors, which included beating the Warriors in the NBA Finals the next year.
Things changed this year, as he signed with the Boston Celtics, struggled with performance and injuries, played just nine games, was traded to the Utah Jazz, and was waived. But just two years ago he averaged 21.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes, and he plays solid defense. He’s the type of big man who could play alongside any of Golden State’s frontcourt players.
Amir Coffey
Want a flyer? Here’s your guy. Coffey has been pretty darn bad for a few years, but he’s a career 38.2% shooter from deep with good size and athleticism. The Warriors could use more large wings while they await the return of Butler and Moses Moody. Here’s one … he just needs work.
Kevin Love
Sorry, are Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis not filling your need for aging, often-injured, floor-stretching bigs? Then how about Love? Somehow he’s still playing, and somehow he’s also still playing well. He shot 37.3% on threes last year and grabbed 12.6 rebounds per 36 minutes. He can still throw a mean outlet pass, and is a great playmaker from the elbow, which the Warriors really utilized when Andrew Bogut was around. Plus, between he and Horford, it’s basically like having one healthy, reliable player!
Bennedict Mathurin
Mathurin doesn’t have the resumé or consistency of DeRozan or Beal, but the dude can get on a heater and score. He’s not the best shooter, but he can get to the rim, he draws free throws, and he’s a reliable 15 points every night. The Warriors need that in some form and fashion, especially until Butler returns. Golden State would be a great landing spot for Mathurin, where he could rebuild his value a little bit before entering free agency again next year.
Gary Payton II
Look, getting the entire band back together isn’t the best idea, but Payton does fit well in the Warriors system. He’s an elite perimeter defender, can bother forwards, rebounds like someone a foot taller than he is, and is a tremendous off-ball cutter. The Warriors need to make some improvements, but Payton is better than a lot of the players on this list.
Mario Hezonja
The Dubs have been tied to Hezonja, who hasn’t played in the NBA since 2019-20. He’s been playing overseas since then, and has been phenomenal for Real Madrid, with a whole lot of hardware being handed out in his direction. How will that translate back to the NBA? We may soon find out.
The 33-year-old Caldwell-Pope has won NBA championships on the 2019-20 Lakers (with James) and on the 2022-23 Nuggets. He’s a 6-foot-5 shooting guard with a longstanding 3-and-D reputation who averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds for Memphis last year in 21.3 minutes per game. Caldwell-Pope’s 31.6 percent mark from three-point range was his worst since the 2015-16 season.
He underwent season-ending surgery in February to address a right pinkie finger injury. The Grizzlies said at the time that Caldwell-Pope was expected to fully recover and be available for the start of the 2026-27 season.
James and Jaylen Brown have been the Sixers’ summer headliners, but president of basketball operations Mike Gansey has also picked up a variety of role players like forward Dean Wade, combo guard Anfernee Simons and center Ariel Hukporti. The latest is reportedly a familiar face for James.
Of the final four suitors in the free agent sweepstakes, Cleveland and Miami seemed like the most probable landing spots for James. But the NBA’s all-time leading scorer shocked just about everyone with his two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers.
Several former and current NBA stars reacted to the biggest NBA news of the summer.
Chris Bosh, a former championship teammate, was just as shocked as everyone else to learn of James’ final decision.
“I didn’t see this one coming.”
Chris Bosh, who is LeBron James former Miami Heat teammate, reacts to LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and says the 76ers are the instant title favorites.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 24, 2026
“Man, I didn’t see this one coming,” Bosh said in a video posted to his Instagram.
“I didn’t think he was gonna go to Philly, the weather and being cold. I was joking around that the old folks go to Miami and stuff like that. I guess not. The old guys still compete for championships, that’s what it’s about.
“This team is loaded. It was already pretty loaded. Now, I think this takes the Sixers overtop, not only as the favorites to win the NBA championship for next year but maybe for the next couple of years.”
On the Cousins podcast, Vince Carter didn’t mince words about James going to Philadelphia.
“That’s cheating,” Carter said jokingly, “because he doesn’t have to do much and still be him. Now your fifth starter has to guard one of those guys.”
Former Lakers teammate Danny Green was also stunned to hear James chose to sign a deal with the 76ers.
“I was like this can’t be real news, Shams is somebody hacking you, this can’t be real news, you know what I’m saying? Two-years, $8 million to Philly none of that was in the cards for me. So, yeah it was shocking, just as shocking as the Jaylen Brown news probably for me.”
There was also an unnamed former Lakers teammate of the 41-year-old, who told The Athletic he recalled James discussing how seriously he considered signing with the 76ers in 2018 before joining the Lakers.
NBA legend Charles Barkley has been vocal about his opinion on LeBron James. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Even Charles Barkley didn’t hold back in his reaction to James’ decision, going as far to say the four-time NBA champion stacks his team.
“The number one knock on LeBron for older guys like myself has always been, yo, man, you always stacking your team. He stacked it in Miami. He stacked it in Cleveland. He stacked it in LA. Now he’s stacking it in Philly. So that to me, I’m going to still have the same criticism I’ve always had,” Barkley said on The Stephen A. Smith Show.
Charles Barkley says LeBron James always stacks his team after going to Philly:
“The number one knock on LeBron for older guys like myself has always been, “Yo, man, you always stacking your team.” He stacked in Miami. He stacked in Cleveland. He stacked in LA. Now he’s stacking… pic.twitter.com/GCdBamMEdl
Other athletes also weighed in on James heading east, especially those playing in Philadelphia.
Eagles star Saquon Barkley welcomed the NBA superstar via social media: “Welcome to the city? Let me know when you tryna tee it up @KingJames. “
Phillies star Bryce Harper, who made a free agency pitch to James last week, heaped high praise for the city and the imminent arrival of James.
“It’s obviously a great city to come play in, fanbase-wise, sports-wise. Feel like the city is in a really good spot with all the teams right now. Just a really good spot to be in,” Harper said.
Bryce Harper on LeBron James
The Phillies star says he’s not surprised LeBron James picked Philly and Sixers pic.twitter.com/yd0ZR3QfID
Despite being the oldest active player in the NBA, James’ influence evidently spreads far and wide. Now, he’ll take his talents to the City of Brotherly Love.
The four-time NBA champion and league's all-time leading scorer was reportedly deciding between Philadelphia, joining Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors, a return to the Miami Heat or a comeback to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fans also had fun imagining James on a favorite Philadelphia-based sitcom and comparing him to another beloved figure from the city.
Here's the best pop culture reactions to James signing with the 76ers:
Philadelphia music artists are hyped LeBron James is a Sixer
While Philadelphia might be overshadowed by Los Angeles or New York in the music scene, it still has a strong stable of influential artists. Questlove posted a series of Instagram stories welcoming LeBron James. Meek Mill, Tierra Whack and Lil Dicky were also among those who celebrated the 22-time All-Star's announcement that he was going to play in their city.
James Poyser of The Roots had maybe the best response of the day when he made a Threads post saying, "LeJawn James!!!!"
The people want LeBron James on 'Abbott Elementary'
Quinta Brunson's sitcom "Abbott Elementary" is set in Philadelphia and has become part of the city's pop culture DNA. The award-winning show has seen cameos from Bradley Cooper, the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty and Philadelphia Eagles stars Jalen Hurts, Jason Kelce and Brandon Graham. Fans want LeBron to be next.
Brunson herself showed excitement at the NBA's all-time leading scorer joining her hometown team. She posted a series of Instagram stories with James' famous "Can't believe this my life" meme, a picture of them together with the caption "My goat" and a sly emoji in response to a fan who asked if the basketball superstar would appear on the show.
Quinta Brunson is hyped for LeBron to be in Philly.
In Akron, Ohio born and raised, on the playground is where he spent most of his days.
Several people on social media pointed out that LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers is a "reverse fresh prince." In opposite order of Will Smith's popular '90s comedy, the NBA superstar went from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.
X user bobcattheUNC posted the final scene of the show where the Philadelphia-bred actor stands alone in the Bel Air living room after the Banks Family moved to the East Coast and suggested James is doing a similar move to his son Bronny. James was influential in getting the Los Angeles Lakers to draft his son.
Crazy Fresh Prince reboot -- dad abandons his son to pursue his hoops dreams, in Philadelphia, leaving son behind with his family in Bel-Air https://t.co/tLwf2qTw19
🎵 IIIIIIIn South Philadelphia, bought and paid, At Xfinity arena spent most of my days, Aging out, maxin, relaxin all cool And all shootin some bball like a damn fool When a couple of kids who were up to no good Said “Dad why’d ya leave us in Hollywood” 🎵 https://t.co/Ce6HIyuSJT
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.
Carter noted that the 76ers are loaded on a roster that will include Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and V.J. Edgecombe.
Philadelphia also added Labaron Philon Jr. at No. 22 overall in the draft while also bringing in Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and former Knicks center Ariel Hukporti.
Vince Carter on the NBA on NBC set after Game 5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs on May 26, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
The 76ers are also expected to bring back Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow, Dalen Terry, Johni Broome and Justin Edwards, who will provide depth on the roster.
Instead of asking the 41-year-old James to carry a franchise, Philadelphia can deploy him alongside Embiid, Brown, Maxey and Edgecombe.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season with the Lakers, proving he’s still an All-Star-caliber player in production, not just in name.
James was also the Lakers’ most effective player in the playoffs last season, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds, leading Los Angeles to a Round 2 appearance, where they were without Luka Doncic and had Austin Reaves for six of 10 games.
Joel Embiid (21) and LeBron James (23) will be in the 76ers’ starting lineup this season. NBAE via Getty Images
The Sixers now feature one of the NBA’s deepest collections of proven talent, with a former MVP center in Embiid, one of the league’s fastest young guards in Maxey, an All-NBA-caliber wing in Brown and arguably the greatest player in league history in James.
The 76ers have immediately been bet up to being one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, along with the Knicks.
Although the 76ers will likely not have James and Embiid for portions of the season due to expected injury management and possible actual ailments, given James’ age and Embiid’s history.
James missed 22 games last season, while Embiid hasn’t played at least 40 regular-season games since 2022-23 and has often faced injuries during the playoffs, as he did this past spring.
News of James’ two-year agreement with the 76ers was printed on cardboard and posted by the Topps social media team in conjunction with James in a collaborative Instagram post before any reporter or even the league could get their hands on the information.
ESPN’s Shams Charania was beaten to the punch when James’ free agency decision was released on social media, first posted by Topps trading cards at 11:30 a.m. ET and in tandem with James’ X account post where he gave a sentimental message to his fans.
Topps had this announcement nearly a full minute ahead of Charania, who posted on X that James was taking his talents to Broad Street.
Multiple league sources confirm that the NBA was blindsided by this type of announcement, as Topps posted what appeared to be an already-autographed one-of-one trading card — perhaps signaling that this was in the works for some time.
The card itself that appears on the Instagram post is a real one that exists, but it is not yet autographed, sources with knowledge of the situation told The Post.
The source added that the image has been digitally modified to show what his autograph will look like on the card, and the actual signature on the card will be done in the coming days.
The NBA did not respond to The Post’s request for comment, and no league entities had posted anything on social media regarding James agreeing to sign with the 76ers for a league minimum contract with a player option for a second year.
Shams Charania was out-scooped by Topps trading cards on Friday. TKPUS / SplashNews.com
NBA social media handles, as well as the 76ers’ accounts, have been radio silent, despite the bombshell news that has spread like wildfire.
LeBron James did a live show of his “Mind the Game” podcast with Tyrese Haliburton at Fanatics Fest hosted by Michael Rubin. gram @runamileaminute
Fanatics purchased Topps trading cards in 2022 for $500 million.
While at Fanatics Fest, James dropped a hint that he could be joining the 76ers, telling fans during a live recording of his “Mind The Game” podcast that he wants a team that will “trust the process,” a famous slogan of the 76ers.
Rubin and James recently crossed paths at Rubin’s private luncheon at the 40/40 club in New York City, Page Six reported last week — perhaps leading to this planned announcement between James and Topps.
This is not a player in his prime; this is one who will turn 42 years old seven weeks into the regular season. This is not a max player, but one who will sign a two-year, $8 million deal on the veteran minimum exception. This is not the 45-point Bron who silenced the TD Garden in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals as his team was facing elimination. This is a veteran who, in defiance of his age, remains relevant and productive.
Our expectations of what he can be in his early 40s should reflect all that in kind because LeBron James, at this point in his career, is not a No. 1 or No. 2 option. He’s a complementary player. He’s someone who does many things well, most of all on-ball creation and ball distribution.
So if the 76ers fail to win an NBA championship during James’ tenure there, it should not be weighed as some sprawling indictment on James as a player.
“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James wrote Friday. “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 decide if I still love this game.
“I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
Paired alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid, James will need to carve out his role and will likely have to defer. To make it work, he’ll have to sacrifice his usage rate. This will be new for him.
Let’s take a look, for a moment, at the time another goated icon, Michael Jordan, signed with a new team in the twilight of his career.
After three seasons away from the NBA — his second of three career retirements — Jordan signed with the Washington Wizards in 2001 and played two seasons there. Washington posted a pair of 37-45 seasons with Jordan, who was 38 when he made his Wizards debut, nearly four years younger than James will be when he launches his Sixers tenure.
Jordan did earn a pair of All-Stars in Washington, and he did elevate a team that had won just 19 games the season prior to his arrival.
Yet, the Wizards couldn’t even crack the postseason with Jordan. Granted, those Washington teams were nowhere near as talented as James’ Philadelphia outfit will be, but Jordan’s lack of postseason success in Washington did nothing to mar his legacy.
For whatever reason, James tends to be judged more harshly. Much of this is due to the impossible constraints we place on him and others when debating legacy. We tend to prefer tidy, conventional narratives: players who remain with one team their entire career, players who fit easily-defined roles, players who take pay cuts for the good of the team.
James could become the first player in NBA history to win championships with four different franchises. It would be yet another clear marker of his longevity, excellence and adaptability.
James sacrificed the neater legacy fits (the Cavaliers and Heat) and is taking on a larger risk by joining a new team. Ultimately, these are the very traits — sacrifice, hard work and the pursuit of greatness — that we love to celebrate in sport. Why should James chasing it, at 41 years old, be any different?
“This is my last decision,” he said. “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.”
Micah Parsons had one question after LeBron James chose Philadelphia over Golden State: Why does nobody seem to want to play with Stephen Curry?
“Nobody wants to play with my man Curry man I don’t get it!!” Parsons wrote on X. “All he do is win!! What is going on in the Bay!!???”
James became the latest major name to pass on Golden State, agreeing to a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers. The Warriors had spent weeks trying to sell LeBron on the notion of a final championship run alongside Curry and Draymond Green. But, James instead joined Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid.
For Parsons, the frustration was personal.
Myles Garrett Flexes on Micah Parsons for 35 Minutes Bleacher Report
The Packers pass rusher has spent years defending Curry against critics and campaigning for him in basketball debates. During the Warriors’ 2022 playoff run, Parsons regularly celebrated Curry’s performances, compared his impact to Michael Jordan and continued backing him even when Golden State was eliminating the Dallas Mavericks while Parsons was still playing for the Cowboys.
More recently, Parsons took issue with Emmanuel Acho, who ranked Curry fifth among active NBA players at their peaks.
“I’m sorry, not having Curry first is disrespectful!” Parsons wrote.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Acho argued that LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo offered more two-way value. Parsons’ position was simpler: Curry’s four championships, two MVP awards and transformation of modern basketball should place him at the front of the conversation.
He has even turned Curry’s name into a universal compliment. When Travis Kelce began dating Taylor Swift, Parsons compared Kelce’s new relationship to reaching the god-like status of Curry.
That long-running admiration explains why James’ decision struck a nerve.
The Warriors have repeatedly explored adding another star as Curry’s championship window narrows, only to fall short with targets including James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George and a possible Kevin Durant reunion.
Stephen Curry (4) and guard LeBron James (6) of Team USA react in the second half against France USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Curry remains one of basketball’s most accomplished and unselfish stars. Yet Golden State keeps discovering that his résumé alone cannot erase concerns about age, injuries, roster depth and the Western Conference.
Parsons may not understand why stars keep passing.
James is signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 41-year-old’s decision was shocking given James had already won NBA championships with two of the four finalists in the sweepstakes: the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in an NBA free agency stunner. AP
But according to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Joel Embiid was also a “heavy figure” in recruiting James. The 76ers big man kept in contact with James throughout his unique free agency process and reportedly vowed to get his body in playing shape, per Jones.
Philadelphia was aggressive in its recruitment process for LeBron as he was essentially the missing piece for a title run.
The 76ers were never regarded as the favorite in the sweepstakes for James, but the veteran began to view the team in a different light once the team acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. It was the blockbuster trade that propelled Philadelphia to the forefront of James’ list.
Joel Embiid played a central role in recruiting LeBron James to the 76ers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As he shared on social media, James believes joining the 76ers would make the organization a championship team. On paper, the new look Philadelphia squad will certainly be a lethal powerhouse in the East.
Philadelphia now boasts a starting five including James, Embiid, Maxey, Brown and VJ Edgecombe.
Tyrese Maxey spent the last five offseasons working out with LeBron James. Now, the pair will be teammates in Philadelphia. NBAE via Getty Images
The already illustrious legacy for James can reach new levels by bringing an NBA championship to Philadelphia. It has been 43 years since the city last won an NBA Championship, headlined by Dr. J and Moses Malone.
The superstar has brought a title to every franchise he’s played for — will he do it again?
LeBron James had heard the pitches, studied the rosters and decided the 76ers gave him the best chance to chase another championship.
Before he could say yes, however, he needed approval from the people whose lives would be affected most.
Shams Charania says LeBron James needed family approval before choosing Philadelphia, a move that could split the family across three cities. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“The last step was getting the family all on board and talking to everyone, from Savannah, Zhuri, Bronny James, who’s playing for the Lakers, to Bryce James at Arizona,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.
That family meeting was more than a courtesy.
LeBron James’ family has been present for most of the defining moments of his career, especially in Los Angeles. Getty Images
LeBron James’ daughter, Zhuri, weighed heavily in his decision. Instagram/@lebronjames
James previously revealed that he pulled his daughter aside before making his decision public. He told her he would not return to the Lakers and acknowledged that playing elsewhere would mean spending less time at home.
“I pulled her to the side and I was like, ‘Baby, I’m letting you know. I don’t want you to hear from nobody else, but I won’t be playing for the Lakers next year. I will be playing somewhere else,'” James recalled.
“‘I won’t be home all the time. And you may not have an answer right now. You can give me an answer now. We can wait; we can write it down. I just want to know how you felt about it because you mean a lot to me. Me being away from you means a lot.’ So, the family portion is a big thing, too.”
James decided to leave the Lakers to pursue an NBA title with the 76ers. Getty Images
James has always made his family part of his basketball journey. He spent years talking about his dream of playing alongside Bronny before the two finally became teammates in LA. Savannah and their children have also been present for nearly every major career milestone, including his record-breaking night as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Philadelphia will make that closeness harder to maintain.
LeBron James’ family is on board with his decision to play for the 76ers. Getty Images
James will now play across the country from Bronny, while Bryce remains in Tucson. Savannah and Zhuri have not publicly indicated whether they will relocate, creating the possibility the family keeps Los Angeles as its primary home while James lives in Philadelphia during the season.
James’ two-year, $8 million deal was ultimately about basketball happiness and one more championship opportunity.
Getting his family comfortable with the sacrifice appears to have been the final — and most important —part of the decision.
After making nearly $53 million with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, James accepted a two-year contract worth the veteran minimum. The decision allowed Philadelphia – which already has two of the NBA's eight highest-paid players for 2026-27 in Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown – to be able to afford the 41-year-old superstar.
James' new deal with the 76ers will be worth just under $8 million over two years. He is set to make just under $3.9 million in the first year of his contract, which will mark the least he has earned during a single NBA season, coming in just short of the $4.02 million he made during his rookie season in 2003-04.
Just how cheap is James' deal for his first season in Philadelphia? A total of 292 NBA players will be making more than him during the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, making James one of the best values league-wide.
Here's what to know about James' contract and where it ranks league-wide:
Full list of players making more than LeBron James for 2026-27 season
Below is a full look at the list of players who will make more than LeBron James during the 2026-27 NBA season, according to data from Basketball Reference.
Of course, one of the reasons James was able to take such a massive pay cut is because he has already made a boatload of money during his career.
Across his first 23 NBA seasons, James has made nearly $581.4 million in on-court earnings, per Spotrac.com. A majority of those earnings came across his eight years with the Lakers, during which he made $347.5 million.
James also has numerous lucrative endorsement deals off the court, including with Nike and AT&T, among others.
Chris Bosh/IG) 
