LeBron James is reportedly heading to Philadelphia for the 2026-27 season, and it turns out the Pennsylvania governor had a hand in making it happen.
Governor Josh Shapiro revealed this week that he personally pitched James on joining the 76ers during a dinner together about a week ago. Shapiro shared the story on The Stephen A. Smith Show.
“When I saw LeBron James at a dinner about a week ago, I shot my shot. I told him how Philly would love to have him, he could win a championship here, and this would be a great place for him to bring his talents,” Shapiro said. “He obviously made decisions for whatever reasons he did, and I’m damn glad he chose Philly.”
The 41-year-old James shocked the league when he confirmed he’d leave the Lakers and sign a two-year deal with the 76ers worth $8 million — a major pay cut. He’s reportedly coming to Philadelphia to try and win a championship in his 24th NBA season.
The Recruitment Pitch
Shapiro didn’t stop at just talking to James. He said he also thanked agent Rich Paul for taking the meeting seriously and gave credit to 76ers ownership, including Josh Harris, as well as front office guys Mike Gansey and Bob Myers for the moves they’ve been making this offseason.
“Now he’s got a front core with two guys who know how to win a champ with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. It’s going to be amazing,” Shapiro added.
It’s not every day a governor directly recruits an NBA superstar. But Shapiro saw an opportunity and took it. Whether that conversation actually swayed James is unclear, but it’s a hell of a story.
Where Will LeBron Actually Live?
Here’s the weird part. Despite signing with the 76ers, James is reportedly going to keep living in New York and commute to Philadelphia for games and practices. That’s about a 90-minute train ride or a short flight. Not exactly unprecedented for a veteran star, but definitely unusual.
The 76ers haven’t officially confirmed the signing yet, so take the details with some salt. But if this is real — a Governor’s dinner pitch, an $8 million deal, and a cross-state commute — it’s one of the strangest free agency stories in recent memory.
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