Sixers media day: LeBron James speaks for first time as Sixer ahead of training camp

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia got to meet its new King on Monday, as LeBron James spoke for the first time as a Sixer at Media Day.

Jaylen Brown also donned a Sixers jersey for the first time on Monday, and Sixers' stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey also met with the media as the highly-anticipated season officially gets underway.

LeBron James brings legacy to Philadelphia

What they're saying:

LeBron James spoke for the first time as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, giving his long-awaited answers on what led him to picking the Sixers, how he believes he'll fit on the team, and his existing relationships with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. 

"I had a group of teams I was interested in," James, 41, told the media. "I have a really great relationship with Tyrese, we talked a lot, I kind of picked his brain a lot on not only where he sees his career going, how he sees the franchise here, how much he believes in the franchise." 

James called Joel Embiid "one of the most talented guys we have in the world," and praised the oft-injured center's offseason preparation that he believes will help the team gain an edge over their Eastern Conference rivals. 

"I'm definitely in his corner and I can't wait to be out there on the court with him again, like we were in '24 in the Olympics," said James, who won an Olympic gold alongside Embiid.

When asked about the Sixers' fans, LeBron lauded their sports knowledge and the accountability the city demands of its players.

"This is a sports town," the four-time NBA champion said. "I'm excited to be a part of this, to be the feeling, be a part of the vibes, and go out and play for something that's more than myself, more than the players in the locker room, but for the whole city."

As for his role on the team, LeBron, in search of his fifth NBA Championship, said he will do whatever the team asks of him. 

"The luxury of my game is I can do everything…literally, I can do everything," he said.

James said Monday he is excited to finally play in front of Philadelphia’s famously passionate fan base — a group that has spent much of his 23-year NBA career making sure he knows exactly how they feel.

And James says he’s always loved it.

"We hate you. We hate you. I love it," James joked.

For more than two decades, James has heard it from Sixers fans whenever he came to Philadelphia as an opponent.  "There’s always been mutual respect between me and the Philly fans," James said. "We’re gonna be on the same side now."

Local perspective:

Outside the team’s practice facility in Camden, one fan waited for a chance to catch a glimpse of the newest Sixers superstar — and hopefully get an autograph.

"I wanted to say what’s up to him. If I can do that," Sixers fan Mally Wyche said.

Wyche said he knows what James can mean to the city.

"It’s his 24th year. He’s the guy. Who doesn’t want to see the guy?" Wyche said.

"It’s great for the city. Will bring out a lot of revenue. I’ll tell you that much."

The excitement surrounding James exploded when the Sixers announced his arrival in July.

Within hours, James’ No. 23 jersey became the fastest-selling jersey launch in NBA history, according to the team.

And while fans are counting down to seeing James suit up in a game, one longtime Sixers fan is also getting ready for his return to the building.

Matt Cord returning as Sixers PA announcer

Longtime Sixers public address announcer Matt Cord is coming out of retirement for James’ first season in Philadelphia.

After decades of introducing Sixers stars, Cord knows he may have to bring something extra when announcing the biggest name to ever wear the uniform.

For 23 years, Cord said, he’s announced James as a member of the Cavaliers or Lakers or Heat star.

Now, he’ll have to introduce him as a Sixer. "LeBron James. LeBron James," Cord said, practicing the call. "Not sure yet."

The Sixers’ home opener is about three and a half weeks away vs the Cavs. 

For James, Monday marked the beginning of getting acclimated,  not only to his new teammates and the Sixers’ practice facility, but also to his new city.

James said he is learning his way around Philadelphia, including new streets, and adjusting to being back on the East Coast after spending the last eight years in Los Angeles.

One thing he says he won’t have to adjust to? The fans.

James has spent more than two decades hearing them loudly, and he says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sixers offseason review

Timeline:

LeBron James notwithstanding, the Sixers had a busy offseason after being swept in the conference semifinals to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks. Here are some of their biggest offseason additions:

Sixers draft Labaron Philon Jr.

The Sixers used the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to select University of Alabama point guard Labaron Philon Jr.

The former First-Team All-SEC guard average 22 points in 33 games in the second of two seasons at Alabama. The Sixers hope Philon Jr. will round out an exciting young core that also features Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. 

Sixers acquire Jaylen Brown from Boston Celtics

The Sixers first big splash of the offseason came in July, when they acquired NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia sent veteran guard Paul George, two first round picks (2028, 2031), and two second round picks (2028, 2031) to Boston.

Sixers fans are familiar with Brown after watching him play 10 years for their conference rivals. Brown, who will turn 30 in October, set a career-high last season in points per game average with 28. 

Sixers sign LeBron James

The move that needs no introduction: LeBron James, arguably the greatest player in the history of the National Basketball Association and a cultural icon, will play the twilight of his career in Philadelphia. 

James, 41, spent the last eight years of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers after making two stops in Cleveland and another in Miami. His career speaks for itself: A four-time NBA Champion, four-time Finals MVP, and 22-time NBA All-Star.

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