NBA superstar LeBron James shocked the sports world Friday morning by announcing he is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. It didn’t take long for Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley to welcome him to the city of Brotherly Love.
The NBA world has been waiting on James’ decision for quite some time, and he certainly made it a surprise. Most believed James would either land in Miami or Cleveland, two important cities along his NBA journey. Instead, he’ll be a 76er for the first time in his career, and Barkley is already making plans to spend time together.
Saquon Barkley Reacts to LeBron James Choosing 76ers
After James announced on social media that he would be joining the 76ers, Barkley reached out in a heartfelt invitation to spend time on the golf course together.
“Welcome to the city! Let me know when you tryna tee it up @KingJames,” Barkley wrote.
The Eagles star has been in Philly since 2024 after spending the first six years of his NFL career with the New York Giants.
Welcome to the city! Let me know when you tryna tee it up 🏌🏽⛳️ @KingJames
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) July 24, 2026
Barkley has eight years under his belt in the NFL and is a three-time Pro Bowler. The Eagles star won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2018 and led the league with 2,005 rushing yards in 2024, earning himself the Offensive Player of the Year award.
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While I’m sure LeBron will have plenty of stars interested in catching him on the golf course or grabbing a meal in the city of Brotherly Love, Barkley reaching out publicly is a nice gesture.
After all, this will be LeBron’s first year playing in Philly.
The NBA world seemed dead-set on the 22-time All-Star landing back with either the Heat or the Cavaliers.
James spent his first seven years in the NBA in Cleveland, earning back-to-back MVPs and the Rookie of the Year award. Then, he spent four years in Miami, where he won another back-to-back MVPs and his first two championships.
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James then returned to Cleveland for a homecoming and brought his third championship home before spending the last eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won his fourth championship.
The King’s legacy continues now to Philadelphia. Many believed he’d finish the storybook ending either where he started his career and won his first two championships or where he took off in Miami. However, he’ll add another franchise to the list and look to win a championship with a fourth different team.
He’ll join a loaded 76ers team that includes young stars in Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, former MVP Joel Embiid, and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Philadelphia made it to the second round of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference last season, and then swapped Paul George for Brown, added James this offseason, and looks poised for a championship run in 2026.
