Pennsylvania governor declares LeBron James Day as NBA legend joins 76ers
Arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, LeBron James has announced that he will be joining the Philadelphia 76ers in what he’s called his ‘last decision’.
The NBA’s all-time points scorer left the Los Angeles Lakers last month after eight years with the franchise, where he won one Championship and was one part of the NBA’s first father-son duo as his son, Bronny James, joined him in 2024.
At 41, James is in the twilight of his career, and after winning four NBA Championships across his time at the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, he’s looking to add a fifth and become the first man to win the NBA Championship with four different franchises.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers calls for a foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pic: Harry How/Getty Images
After announcing his decision with an Instagram video featuring music from Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill, James took to X to explain the hard decision he came to, including considering retirement.
‘I thought I was done when the season ended,’ James explained. ‘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. 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.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a dunk against the Golden State Warriors. Pic: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
‘I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out. 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.
‘I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energise a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you, LA. Miami, I’ll forever love you, and Northeast Ohio will always be home!’
And in the 76ers, James is joining one of the most fanatical fan bases in US sports, and with the likes of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and the newly acquired former NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, they also have one of the best squads in the league.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts. Pic: Joshua Gateley/Getty Images
The 76ers have not won a championship since 1983 and have only made the finals once since then, in 2001, so this LeBron James acquisition has brought much jubilation to the fans, including the Pennsylvania governor.
Gov Josh Shapiro took to X to celebrate the move by declaring today, July 24, LeBron James Day. He posted on X:
‘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.’
