In his many battles with the Philadelphia 76ers over the years, LeBron James had to brave one of the most notoriously hostile fanbases in the league.
But along the way, he began to respect the passionate Sixers fans, who often even boo their own players when they feel the team shows a lack of heart.
When James last visited the 76ers on Dec. 7, 2025, he silenced the rowdy crowd with a go-ahead three to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-108 victory. After a vintage 29-point performance—where he dropped 12 in the fourth quarter alone—James left a special message for the Philadelphia faithful. Given his decision to sign with the franchise on Friday, those words sound remarkably prophetic today.
What LeBron James Said About 76ers Fans
“One thing you know about Philly fans — they don’t care about anybody besides their home teams, and I respect and I love that,” James said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“I’ve played here, for obviously 23 years, a lot more when I was in the Eastern Conference. But to be able to have an appreciation for the City of Brotherly Love and for me to go out and still play the game that I love and them respect it, whatever the case may be — if they do — it’s pretty cool.”
As James alluded to, Sixers fans showed love and respect to him after his sensational performance on Dec. 7, 2025, his last visit to Philadelphia.
“James may play another season. He may call it quits at the end of this season. Either way, the Philly crowd of 20,431 sure showed their appreciation for a game when James came up big in big moments,” the Associated Press wrote after that game.
LeBron James Signs With Sixers
On Day 25 of his free agency, LeBron James explained why he chose to sign with the Sixers on a two-year, $8M contract, while spurning the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“This is my last decision,” James said, confirming that he will likely retire in a 76ers uniform instead of returning home to Cleveland.
“I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?” he pondered. “I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
The four-time champion expressed excitement about joining forces with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe in a loaded Sixers starting unit.
“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.”
Nick Nurse’s team is already viewed as the overwhelming favorite to win the East and reach the 2027 NBA Finals.
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