After weeks of speculation, LeBron James has made what he called his “last decision.” The four-time NBA champion is signing a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He chose the Sixers over a return to Miami or Cleveland in pursuit of a fifth title. The move immediately sent shockwaves across the sports world, drawing reactions from NFL players, analysts, and media personalities.
LeBron James’ Move to 76ers Draws Reactions From NFL Community
James, who is 41 years old, took a big pay cut after earning more than $52 million with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. It is a financial sacrifice that proves just how serious he is about winning another title.
James broke the news of his decision himself through social media on Friday, acknowledging he nearly walked away from basketball entirely.
Philadelphia’s roster made the pitch for James irresistible, as the Sixers had already acquired Jaylen Brown earlier in the offseason, and his arrival gave the team another legitimate superstar alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Add second-year guard VJ Edgecombe, Anfernee Simons from the bench, and the Sixers arguably have the best roster in the Eastern Conference.
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Here’s how the NFL world on X reacted to James’ decision to sign with the 76ers:
“LeBron to Philly 👀 Trust the Process,” NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe said.
In another post on X, he added, “LeBron. Maxey. Embiid. Jaylen Brown. VJ Edgecombe. Philly, rise up. What a NBA season it will be for 76ers.”
LeBron. Maxey. Embiid. Jaylen Brown. VJ Edgecombe.
Philly rise up. What a NBA season it will be for 76ers.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) July 24, 2026
Pat McAfee reacted to James’ signing with the 76ers and said, “HOLLLY HELLLLL BRON’S HEADING TO PHILLY.”
NFL writer Marcus Mosher was surprised by the move and wrote, “What in the world?!”
What in the world?! https://t.co/brPEx7ibhq
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 24, 2026
Vikings analyst compared James’ decision to Aaron Rodgers’ career moves. He said, “LeBron “Aaron Rodgers” James”
Barstool Big Cat wrote, “Oh My God. He’s actually going to the Sixers.”
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ESPN analyst Field Yates praised the 76ers’ lineup and wrote, “LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe. Quite a starting five.”
WOW. LeBron just broke the NBA. The GOAT is headed to Philly! 👀🤯@ShannonSharpe | @ochocinco | @TheJoeJohnson7 | #Nightcap pic.twitter.com/qLRfqsTNlX
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) July 24, 2026
NFL insider Albert Breer called out the Boston Celtics and said, “The Celtics legit did this to themselves.” He was referring to how Boston allowed the 76ers to win the series down 3-1 in last season’s playoffs, which ultimately helped Philadelphia trade for Brown and sign James.
This team is stacked https://t.co/AlpAmXxwso
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) July 24, 2026
Former NFL quarterback Derek Carr loved the move and said, “This team is stacked.”
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reminded everyone that despite James’ arrival, “Tyrese Maxey is the 🔑 (key) to it all!”
Tyrese Maxey is the 🔑 to it all! https://t.co/y1Wsexocoe
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 24, 2026
James proved last season that he can still take over games when it matters. After the Lakers lost both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to injuries in April, he led Los Angeles to a six-game series win over the Houston Rockets while running the offense efficiently.
Last season, he still averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds on 51.5% shooting across 60 games. The Sixers won’t need him to be that player every night, and that’s exactly why a move to Philadelphia made sense for James.
The 76ers’ path to a title runs through the reigning champion New York Knicks in the East, not through the Western Conference gauntlet that saw the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs tear each other apart in seven games before the Spurs fell to New York in the Finals.
If the chemistry gets right, the Sixers have the talent to win the franchise’s first championship since 1983.
