How Philadelphia 76ers found out about LeBron James arrival ‘moments’ before announcement

LeBron James was operating in complete silence during free agency, with the Philadelphia 76ers finding out about his decision with the rest of the world.

James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers rocked the NBA world, as it immediately established the City of Brotherly Love as the potential landing spot for the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2027.

The 76ers were not considered the favourites to land him, with two teams reportedly ahead of them. But James made the call to join the 76ers at the last minute, with many in the organization out of the loop.

Philadelphia 76ers players and staff found out LeBron James was signing minutes before announcement

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, LeBron James kept the Philadelphia 76ers in the dark up until the moment he announced his decision to join the team.

Fischer wrote on The Stein Line that James’ agent, Rich Paul, sent a group text to Tyrese Maxey and other 76ers officials about LeBron’s decision right before the superstar announced his decision.

“I’m told that Sixers players and team officials, meanwhile, were in the dark about the final outcome only until moments before the news went public.

“It was shared with me that King James’ decision was ultimately relayed to the cellphones of new Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president Bob Myers, Sixers executive vice president Jameer Nelson and All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey via a group text initiated by Paul only moments before the world knew.”

LeBron James and Philadelphia 76ers can dominate the Eastern Conference

With James joining the 76ers, Nick Nurse’s side now boasts the best potential starting lineup in the NBA, with five high-level players.

Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid as the starters for the 76ers will definitely strike fear in the hearts of rival teams.

Maxey, Brown, James, and Embiid are all former All-Stars, while VJ Edgecombe is considered one of the brightest young prospects in the NBA today.

If all five players can stay healthy for a good portion of the season, which is a big ‘if’, then the 76ers will be considered the favorites to win the NBA championship.

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