LeBron James joins 76ers, Pennsylvania declares LeBron Day

LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers, ending weeks of speculation about the future of the 41-year-old superstar. The decision, announced on July 24, 2026, was immediately celebrated by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who issued an official proclamation declaring the date "LeBron James Day" throughout the Commonwealth.

James confirmed his move in a series of social media posts, stating his decision was driven by a desire to compete for another championship rather than financial gain. He agreed to a two-year contract worth $8 million with the 76ers, a deal he characterized as the "biggest bargain" of his career. James wrote that after the Los Angeles Lakers' season ended, he considered retirement but ultimately concluded he still loved the game and wanted to grind for another title. He expressed belief that he could help make the 76ers a championship team and looked forward to energizing a new fan base.

The recruitment of James was a multi-faceted effort. In the days leading up to the announcement, Governor Shapiro reportedly lobbied James during an unexpected encounter at a New York City restaurant where Shapiro was dining...