The league is in shock: LeBron James' decision caught everyone off guard
The surprising move to Philadelphia caused a stir across the NBA: Caitlin Clark received the news in the middle of a press conference, a league manager admitted that the Sixers were only "option number 4", and Tyrese Maxey celebrated wildly. The Governor of Pennsylvania has already declared a "LeBron James Day".
LeBron James will play his 24th season in the NBA, but not for the team most people in the league expected to see him in. The star announced today (Friday) that he will join the Philadelphia 76ers in an attempt to win another championship, and the decision was met primarily with shock.
Until the moment of the announcement, Philadelphia was not considered one of the top candidates to sign James at all. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, two teams he has played for in the past, along with the Golden State Warriors, were mentioned as the most likely destinations. However, LeBron ultimately chose the Sixers, a move that surprised even senior officials within the league.
One of the NBA team managers admitted that before the decision, Philadelphia was considered by him to be only "option number 4". Even among players and stars across American basketball, it was difficult to process the news.
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark heard about the move while sitting at a press conference ahead of the WNBA All-Star weekend. A few minutes earlier, she was asked where she thought LeBron should go, and she suggested he join the Indiana Pacers. When she learned he had chosen Philadelphia, her reaction clearly illustrated just how unexpected the move was.
The Sixers have thus completed a particularly exciting summer, after Jaylen Brown also joined the team. Brown himself reacted relatively reservedly.
Someone who had much less trouble hiding his excitement was Tyrese Maxey. The Philadelphia star immediately went on Instagram and shouted with joy following the announcement, while the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, rushed to declare a "LeBron James Day" in the state.
The move positions Philadelphia as one of the most intriguing teams heading into next season and gives LeBron another opportunity to chase a championship ring. But even before stepping onto the court in his new uniform, he has already managed to do what he has done many times throughout his career: shake up the entire NBA.
