PHILADELPHIA, PA — In one of the most seismic transactions in Philadelphia sports history, LeBron James has chosen the end his career with a championship pursuit on Broad Street.
James will join a Sixers squad of more top end talent than the NBA has seen in years. Questions about offensive chemistry with so many primary scorers remain, but should they stay relatively healthy, they will undoubtedly be championship contenders.
Responses rolled in from around the world early Friday afternoon, and no one is more fired up than LeBron's new teammates.
"#throwtheballup," new Sixer Jaylen Brown said.
Tyrese Maxey was more to the point:
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) July 24, 2026
VJ Edgecombe had no words.
VJ Edgecombe via IG stories 😂😂😂😭😭 pic.twitter.com/biw1Qs109e
— Shriya Saini (@ShriyaSainii) July 24, 2026
See full coverage: LeBron James To Join Sixers
LeBron has also been in consistent contact with Maxey and Joel Embiid, both of whom have recruited him publicly. Embiid's recruiting efforts go back years.
Embiid prayed for times like this 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jg4nf3MF2a
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 24, 2026
In the political realm, Gov. Shapiro declared Friday "LeBron James Day."
"By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan..." he wrote.
LeBron James Day, as it turns out, is also Sixers head coach Nick Nurse's birthday.
happy birthday, coach! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/cJIjb9f4tM
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 24, 2026
Merriam Websters felt it important to clarify some important words, given current events.
Trust the https://t.co/w3xR7WA64z pic.twitter.com/Wkt6LBJ8X9
— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) July 24, 2026
Other great Philly athletes chimed in for the city.
"#TrustedTheProcess," Eagles great Lane Johnson shared.
Saquon Barkley wrote directly to James with a golf invite.
"Welcome to the city! Let me know when you tryna tee it up."
In the wider world of sports, WNBA Caitlin Clark was stunned when she found out, admitting that her predictions were wrong.
Caitlin Clark reacts to LeBron joining the Sixers:
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) July 24, 2026
"NO WAY. I just pitched him for the Pacers, they didn't get to him fast enough… Selflessly, I wanted the Warriors because Steph and Bron would have been insane together." pic.twitter.com/YygosMKT84
Bryce Harper also pitched Philly to LeBron, but he was also wrong in his prediction.
Bryce Harper Makes LeBron James free-agent pitch to come to Philly & Join Sixers
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) July 13, 2026
"Jaylen Brown…. Great fan base"
The Phillies star still thinks #LeBronJames will go back to the Cavs pic.twitter.com/Clp5b74F31
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