LeBron James will wear No. 23 with the Sixers: ‘No words to measure the impact he’ll have’
"We couldn’t be happier that he is officially here and are excited to welcome him," Sixers president Mike Gansey said of James.
The Sixers officially announced LeBron James’ signing on Monday, sharing a statement from president of basketball operation Mike Gansey and blitzing social media with images of James’ likeness.
James will wear No. 23 with the Sixers after signing a two-year, $8 million deal on Sunday, the Sixers confirmed on their social media account with an image of his jersey in the team’s locker room.
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organization,” Gansey said. “I have had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he’s produced at every stop of his basketball journey. He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor, and a tireless worker.
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“But he is also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him. We couldn’t be happier that he is officially here and are excited to welcome him, Savannah, and the James family into our 76ers family.”
James joins the Sixers as one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He’s the NBA’s all-time leader in points (43,440) and minutes played (61,030), a four-time champion and the record holder for All-Star appearances (22) and All-NBA Team selections (21).
James most recently led the Lakers to the second round of the NBA playoffs, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the regular season and increasing those numbers in the postseason to 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. James has career averages of 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over the course of his 23-year career.
“I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers,” Sixers managing partner Josh Harris said. “One of the greatest players in NBA history and one of the best athletes ever, his accomplishments are iconic: four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA MVP, four-time Finals MVP, three-time Olympic Gold medalist, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record 22 All-Star selections, and 21 All-NBA selections.
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“I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly. To LeBron and his family: we are grateful you chose the 76ers, and look forward to this next chapter of your legendary career. Welcome to the 76ers!”
The Sixers’ coronation of James did not end in their official statement as the franchise made several posts on social media. The barrage of messages showed reactions on social media, highlights of James’ offensive prowess and the recreation of a classic meme — the one where James is “Smiling through it all!” — only this time James was wearing a Sixers jersey.
