Dem Presidential Hopeful May Have Had Hand In Getting LeBron James To Philadelphia

Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, a potential 2028 presidential contender, suggested he may have played a role in bringing LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers after personally lobbying the NBA superstar to join the team months before the blockbuster signing. 

In an interview with Politico Playbook, Shapiro said he first met James at the private club ZZ’s in New York City and used the opportunity to pitch Philadelphia.

“I don’t want to suggest that I’m the reason why LeBron chose the Sixers, but when I saw him at this dinner in New York, I figured I had to shoot my shot,” Shapiro said.

According to an anonymous source close to the governor cited by Playbook, Shapiro “was relentless until he finally got word” last Friday that James was headed to Philadelphia.

Minutes after NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news of the signing online, Shapiro celebrated on social media by proclaiming it “LeBron James Day” in Pennsylvania.  

“LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY,” Shapiro posted. “By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan… I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY. Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, King James.”

LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY.

By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan… I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY.

Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/JHsNkCFyyN

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 24, 2026

Shapiro also said he believes James can make an impact beyond basketball.

“I expect he’s going to bring a championship mentality to our team, and if he’s doing that in a way that also allows him to be a good father and husband, I think that’s great,” Shapiro said. 

Shapiro added that he “thought that there was a lot of important philanthropic work he could do in Philly.” 

James recently posted on social media about his new deal, saying he had briefly considered retirement before deciding to continue his career. 

“I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game,” James said. “I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide [sic] if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James added.

James joins Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on a Sixers team hoping to bring Philadelphia its first NBA championship since 1983.