Friday, July 24, 2026, is officially “LeBron James Day” in Pennsylvania.
Gov. Josh Shapiro made the proclamation on X in a post welcoming James to “the City of Brotherly Love.”
“LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY,” Shapiro said.
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 post comes after the 41-year-old all-star announced his two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons.
The proclamation goes beyond acknowledging James’ new team membership, calling attention to his roots in Akron, Ohio.
The document chronicles the highlights of James’s career, including his beginnings as a high school basketball player at St. Vincent St. Mary High School, selection a first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, championship wins, MVP awards, Finals MVP trophies, 22 consecutive All Star selections, and three Olympic gold medals.
Shapiro’s proclamation also calls attention to James’ efforts to better the communities around him through the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports families in Akron through scholarships, education programs, food assistance and housing services.
Days prior to the post and proclamation, die-hard Philly fan Shapiro was reportedly recruiting James to the 76ers.
Puck News reporter Peter Hamby reported seeing Shapiro and James at a New York City restaurant, where Shapiro suggested James play for Philadelphia.
James’s addition to the team has sparked excitement nationwide, with fans speculating that the Philadelphia 76ers starting lineup for the upcoming season is “STACKED.”
BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO and Game Over show host Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ALOlTkgdAV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 24, 2026
James said in his initial post on X that he “still wants to work.”
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. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026
“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.
Will Pittsburghers care? Will they make the trip to see the star play.
Local influencer Johnny Pittsburgh asked this question on Facebook.
The responses weren’t pretty.
“Who?” wrote one person.
“You lost me at ‘travel to Philly’” wrote another.