Philly’s other pro athletes spent weeks on red carpets, at events, and on podcasts trying to pitch LeBron James on signing with the Sixers. Everyone from Bryce Harper to Cooper DeJean and Saquon Barkley made the attempt to sell him on it.
Those attempts worked. On Friday, James finally announced that he will end his NBA career in Philadelphia, signing a two-year deal with the Sixers to try and win one final championship.
Despite speculation that Jaylen Brown and James might have beef, after Brown said a few years ago that he didn’t believe James’ son Bronny was a pro, Brown was the first to post after the announcement.
#throwtheballup
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 24, 2026
Tyrese Maxey followed shortly after, posting a video of himself screaming in celebration at the gym.
pic.twitter.com/Dto2OHG8Hw
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) July 24, 2026
VJ Edgecombe recreated one of James’ most famous Instagram stories.
VJ Edgecombe is smiling through it all, can’t believe this is his life pic.twitter.com/s6t9NSP3qL
— Gabriela Carroll (@gablcarroll) July 24, 2026
Jabari Walker, Dean Wade, and 2026 first-round pick Labaron Philon Jr. all posted on Instagram.
Jabari Walker now on IG #Sixers pic.twitter.com/KkLDQieVA9
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) July 24, 2026
Not sure Dean Wade is losing sleep about coming off the bench… pic.twitter.com/69GmHW2H5N
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) July 24, 2026
Labaron Philon Jr. shared LeBron’s reel on IG #Sixers pic.twitter.com/cCNo76xzuR
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) July 24, 2026
While we’re still waiting on Joel Embiid, Embiid spent much of 2014 on Twitter trying to lobby James to the Sixers. Twelve years later, he finally got his wish.
@KingJames hey bro hope you’re having a good day…… Want to join us in philly?? Peace
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— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 1, 2014
Even the city’s other athletes are getting in on it. Barkley extended a golf invite, after Sixer fans spent weeks conspiring on the locations of James’ golf trips.
Welcome to the city! Let me know when you tryna tee it up 🏌🏽⛳️ @KingJames
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) July 24, 2026
Lane Johnson, Darius Slay, and Abdul Carter were among other athletes with local ties to celebrate the move.
👑‼️#TrustedTheProcess https://t.co/ABuOZsampj
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) July 24, 2026
Aww shit now.. Philly about to be crazy! The best sport city in world✊🏽
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) July 24, 2026
Don’t say I didn’t tell yall😂. LFG!!!! https://t.co/SknFIBgDYM
— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) July 24, 2026
Dawn Staley had to take time away from a scouting trip to record a video celebrating the move.
YOOOOO PHILLY STAND ALL THE WAY UP!! @ sixers @KingJames let’s gooooooo!!!! pic.twitter.com/I65ZZ1YhgI
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) July 24, 2026
Kahleah Copper and Caitlin Clark both found out at WNBA All-Star Week.
Philly native Kahleah Copper’s reaction to the news pic.twitter.com/zDMlVA0hGa
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 24, 2026
Caitlin Clark reacts in real-time to learning LeBron James is joining the 76ers:
“No way! Wow. … I’ll be watching more 76ers games.” pic.twitter.com/GAhbwF6oHw
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) July 24, 2026
But some former NBA players were less enthused about James’ fourth decision, including Gilbert Arenas.
“This don’t look right, I’m sorry. Who is this?” Arenas said. “… Philly? What? I know Savannah didn’t approve this. Nobody approved him going to Philly.”
Dwight Howard posted encouraging the Sixers to complete the team with Ben Simmons, who said he plans to return to the NBA this year. Many fans responded with a famous old Colin Cowherd meme.
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Bring back my boi Ben too! pic.twitter.com/1Pb6bLwIDT
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) July 24, 2026