LeBron James has spent this weekend at Fanatics Fest in New York, keeping his free agency decision under wraps, but there has been an interesting report on which team he met with recently.
The report comes from a Philadelphia insider with a long track record of covering the Sixers franchise.
LeBron James Reportedly Met With 76ers During Free Agency
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark reported that 76ers owner Josh Harris had a brief, exchange with James at a VIP event during Fanatics Fest in New York.
“A source says Sixers owner Josh Harris was able to have a brief, friendly conversation with LeBron James yesterday at a VIP event at Fanatics Fest in New York,” Clark wrote on X.
A source says Sixers owner Josh Harris was able to have a brief, friendly conversation with LeBron James yesterday at a VIP event at Fanatics Fest in New York
I’m told Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and owner Josh Harris have let LeBron know they would love to have him… pic.twitter.com/tvJJDXc478
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 18, 2026
“I’m told Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and owner Josh Harris have let LeBron know they would love to have him join the team and the city of Philly would welcome him to the Sixers with open arms. The Sixers are reportedly one of the final teams in the running for LeBron,” Clark added.
During a live recording of the show ‘The Shop’ at Fanatics Fest on Friday, James told the crowd he wants to join a franchise that shares his approach, describing it as “practicing championship habits every day, but trusting the process more than anything.”
The phrase sparked an immediate reaction at the venue, where fans thought James meant Joel Embiid, whose nickname is ‘The Process.’ He immediately corrected himself, noting that it was a term he often used.
Philadelphia’s pursuit has been building for weeks. James’ agent, Rich Paul, has already acknowledged the Sixers as a legitimate option, and Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment president Bob Myers reportedly made a direct pitch on Paul’s own podcast earlier this month.
Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey has also been public about the team’s interest, telling reporters this week he would love to have James in Philadelphia.
On the roster side, Maxey has reportedly led a personal recruiting push that includes Embiid and newly acquired Jaylen Brown. His arrival from the Boston Celtics has made the Sixers a much more attractive destination, considering how stacked their roster is right now.
None of this confirms where James will ultimately land, and he has kept his final decision private throughout his public appearances in New York this week. Other teams remain firmly in the conversation, including the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors.
James is set to enter his 24th NBA season this fall, and at 41 years old, the stakes of this decision carry extra weight given how few opportunities he likely has left to chase another championship.
