Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wasted no time giving LeBron James a king sized welcome after the basketball icon announced he was taking his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers.
On Friday, July 24, 2026, Shapiro issued an official proclamation declaring the date “LeBron James Day” throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The announcement arrived shortly after James confirmed that Philadelphia would be the next and likely final stop of his historic NBA career.
“LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY.
By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan… I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY.
Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, @KingJames,” Shapiro wrote.
LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY.
By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan… I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY.
Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/JHsNkCFyyN
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 24, 2026
The ceremonial proclamation recognizes James as more than the newest member of the Sixers. It walks through his journey from Akron, Ohio, where he was raised by his mother, Gloria James, to his rise as one of the most accomplished basketball players in history.
Shapiro’s declaration highlights James’ standout years at St. Vincent St. Mary High School and his selection as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft at just 18-years-old. It also celebrates his four NBA championships, four regular season MVP awards, four Finals MVP trophies, 22 consecutive All Star selections, three Olympic gold medals and his position as the NBA’s all time leading scorer.
The proclamation also acknowledges James’ work away from the court. Through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he has supported students and families in Akron with education programs, scholarships, food assistance, college resources and housing services. The foundation’s I PROMISE network includes a public school, a food pantry, transitional housing and programs designed to help students and their families build long term stability.
Shapiro wrote that Pennsylvania was honored to welcome James to the Commonwealth “for his best season yet,” praising both his record setting career and his community work.
The governor may have also done more than celebrate the signing after the decision was made.
Days before James announced his move, Shapiro reportedly crossed paths with him at a New York City restaurant while dining with Bill and Hillary Clinton. According to Puck News reporter Peter Hamby, the die hard Sixers supporter used the unexpected meeting to lobby James about bringing his talents to Philadelphia.
Shapiro was not the only major name working to get James into a Sixers uniform. Team owner Josh Harris reportedly spoke with him during Fanatics Fest in New York. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and newly acquired star Jaylen Brown also reportedly made it clear that Philadelphia wanted him and would welcome him with open arms.
That recruiting effort officially paid off Friday.
James announced that he would join the 76ers for his record extending 24th NBA season, ending weeks of speculation about whether he would retire, return to a former team or pursue another championship somewhere new.
ESPN reported that the 41-year-old agreed to a two year, $8 million contract that includes a player option. James did not publicly disclose the financial details, but made it clear that money was not driving the biggest bargain deal of his career.
The four time champion admitted that retirement felt like a real possibility after the Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended.
“I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game,” James explained. “I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
James said the time away allowed him to slow down, spend time with his loved ones and seriously consider what he still wanted from basketball.
“The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think,” he wrote. “I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.”
Ultimately, James decided he still wanted the demanding work that comes with competing for another title.
“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?” James wrote. “I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
He then made his belief in Philadelphia’s roster crystal clear.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James said. “Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always be home!”
James leaves Los Angeles after eight seasons with the Lakers, including the franchise’s 2020 championship run. Before joining the Lakers in 2018, he won two titles with the Miami Heat and delivered Cleveland its first NBA championship in 2016.
Despite being the oldest active player in the league, James remained highly productive last season. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games while earning his 22nd consecutive All Star selection. He also surpassed Robert Parish’s record for the most regular season games played in NBA history.
Philadelphia is giving him one of the strongest supporting casts available.
The Sixers recently acquired Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George, two first round picks and two second round picks. The 2024 Finals MVP now joins James, Embiid, Maxey and VJ Edgecombe on a roster built to challenge the defending champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
The Sixers reached the second round of the 2026 playoffs after entering as the seventh seed through the play in tournament. However, they were eliminated by the Knicks, extending a championship drought that dates back to 1983.
Adding James immediately changes the expectations. This is not being treated like a quiet farewell tour where the league spends a season celebrating his career. Philadelphia is betting that the NBA’s career scoring leader still has enough left to help deliver another championship.
Shapiro has already made the arrival official at the state level. LeBron James has not played one second in a Sixers uniform, but Pennsylvania has given him his own day and Philadelphia is already preparing for the King’s final title chase.
