Philadelphia 76ers fans welcomed LeBron James to the City of Brotherly Love on Friday (July 24), with billboards greeting the NBA superstar appearing outside the team's arena as residents voiced hopes the four-time champion could help deliver a long-awaited title.
READ: LeBron James hopes to bring title magic to Philadelphia 76ers
"I was shocked, honestly. I think it's great for the city," said Tyree Pinkett. "I think the Sixers [are] finally going to get a championship here now."
Pinkett said James' experience would be invaluable to Philadelphia's younger players.
Others expressed surprise that the 41-year-old NBA's all-time leading scorer chose Philadelphia after spending the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
"The first thing was I wasn't expecting him coming here," said Hong Xie, an AI technology entrepreneur. "So I guess I'm excited."
The move generated celebrations across Pennsylvania, with Governor Josh Shapiro posting on X that "LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY" and proclaiming July 24, 2026, as "LeBron James Day."
(Production, Editing & Writing: Mariana Hernandez)