LeBron James shook the NBA world, choosing to chase a title with the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
He chose chasing that title over the comfort of playing on very good teams in cities he has been in before — Miami and Cleveland — or teaming up with Stephen Curry in a nostalgia play in the Bay Area. While Philadelphia was always mentioned in discussions and speculation around the league, they probably were fourth on the list of teams executives expected. Yet here we are.
What has been the reaction around the NBA? Well, needless to say, LeBron’s new teammates are pumped.
Safe to say Tyrese Maxey is hype to be playing with Bron 😂
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 24, 2026
(via @TyreseMaxey) pic.twitter.com/SGfIYbU4xc
Embiid's reaction to getting LeBron 😂
— Sixers Lead 🔔 (@SixersLead) July 24, 2026
via (@JoelEmbiid)
pic.twitter.com/mUbEngQ4WN
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 24, 2026
VJ Edgecombe just did the LeBron meme 🤣 pic.twitter.com/ROWjxDCmkh
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 24, 2026
LeBron himself is pretty pumped and put up a hype video featuring Philly legend Meek Mill.
LeBron James drops his announcement to Philly video with Meek Mill’s dreams and nightmares:
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) July 24, 2026
(Via IG kingjames) pic.twitter.com/7BKg6QrRGz
There were reactions from all over the WNBA All-Star Game, plus South Carolina/USA coach Dawn Staley showed her stripes — she was born in Philly.
YOOOOO PHILLY STAND ALL THE WAY UP!! @ sixers @KingJames let’s gooooooo!!!! pic.twitter.com/I65ZZ1YhgI
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) July 24, 2026
Caitlin Clark reacts in real-time to learning LeBron James is joining the 76ers:
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) July 24, 2026
“No way! Wow. … I’ll be watching more 76ers games.” pic.twitter.com/GAhbwF6oHw
Paige Bueckers shocked by LeBron's move to Philly and shares where she hoped he landed. pic.twitter.com/x0w7bi0hLr
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 24, 2026
Other Philly legends also jumped in.
Welcome to the city! Let me know when you tryna tee it up 🏌🏽⛳️ @KingJames
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) July 24, 2026
Allen Iverson reacts to LeBron signing with his beloved Sixers 🔔❤️ pic.twitter.com/DyGjHdrxPt
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 24, 2026
Not everyone was as thrilled with LeBron’s choice.
Nobody wants to play with my man curry man I don’t get it!! All he do is win!! What is going on in the bay!!???
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) July 24, 2026
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) July 24, 2026
Yaxel Lendeborg reacts to LeBron picking the Sixers over Warriors 😅 pic.twitter.com/wNczfBDjw8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 24, 2026
And, of course, the politicians were quick to capitalize.
LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 24, 2026
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
