LeBron James’ new teammates — and other Philly athletes — react to his signing with Sixers
Dawn Staley, Saquon Barkley, and other Eagles celebrated on social media of James finally announcing that he will end his NBA career in Philadelphia: “We got the King!”
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 tried to sell him on it.
And on Friday, James finally announced that he will continue his NBA career in Philadelphia, signing a two-year deal with the Sixers to try and win another championship.
Despite speculation that Jaylen Brown, whom the Sixers acquired earlier this month, and James might have beef, after Brown said two years ago that he didn’t believe James’ son, Bronny, was a pro, Brown was the first Sixers star to post after the announcement.
Tyrese Maxey quickly followed, posting a video of himself screaming in celebration at the gym.
VJ Edgecombe recreated one of James’ most famous Instagram stories.
Jabari Walker, Dean Wade, and 2026 first-round pick Labaron Philon Jr. also posted on Instagram.
While we’re still waiting on Joel Embiid, the 2022-23 MVP spent much of 2014 on Twitter trying to lobby James to the Sixers. Twelve years later, he finally got his wish.
The city’s other athletes are reacting, too. Barkley extended a golf invite after Sixers fans spent weeks pondering the locations of James’ golf trips.
Lane Johnson, Darius Slay, and Abdul Carter were among other athletes with local ties to celebrate the move.
North Philly native and women’s basketball legend Dawn Staley had to take time away from a scouting trip to record a video celebrating the move.
Kahleah Copper (also from North Philly) and Caitlin Clark found out at WNBA All-Star Week.
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.
