Newest Sixer LeBron James told fans what to expect for the upcoming season during open practices.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The 76ers’ public address announcer ended a brief retirement over the summer, largely to get behind the mic and do what he did for the first time before the team’s annual scrimmage.
Matt Cord introduced LeBron James to the Sixers starting lineup.
“At 6-9, from St. Vincent-St. Mary’s, No. 23, LeBron James! James!”
Nearly 10,000 fans who shelled out $10 a ticket Saturday to essentially watch a glorious practice at the Sixers’ arena went wild for James’ debut.
Bron Buckets in South Philly 🪣 pic.twitter.com/mXfuhqDgsA
– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 3, 2026
No, James didn’t wear number 23. He historically wore number 6 during his practice uniform career, but with that number retired in Philadelphia because of Julius Erving, James opted for number 9.
No, dunks, 3s and assists did not count officially. And no, James wasn’t even introduced last. This honor remained reserved for Joel Embiid.
What the new 41-year-old did was give — along with Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe — a taste that maybe, just maybe, the long-underachieving Sixers could finally rise to the occasion this season and live up to their championship expectations.
“It was an important first step in the direction we are trying to go,” James said. “It was great to hear the cheers from our fans.”
drop it under things we like to see: pic.twitter.com/jIvCXILCvl
– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 3, 2026
Sixers fans who filled the aisles and stairways to try to get a first glimpse or photo of James were pushed back to their seats. Vendors were selling James’ merchandise outside the arena and telling fans they could own early pieces of his merchandise. Sixers fans who approached the court screamed and outright begged James to stop, turn around and pose for photos. They also crowded into team stores to buy No. 23 jerseys.
The Sixers started the scrimmage early with what they hoped was a familiar sight: Maxey in transition hitting James for an alley-oop dunk. James hung there and dangled on the edge for a few seconds.
James made a nifty behind-the-back pass to Edgecombe (who missed a corner 3) and even squared up and buried a long 3 from about range to Caitlin Clark.
James did it all – he even bounced Maxey’s little girl, Marvel, on his lap for a while on the bench.
No word yet on James’ hourly babysitting rate.
Not a bad first week in Philadelphia for the NBA’s career scoring leader.
“Everyone has been very welcoming,” James said. “I’ve been able to implement some things with my voice and just my mastery of how I play and my experience of the game. I’m still getting more and more comfortable off the field, with traveling and without my family and things of that nature. It’s going to be a little challenge, but everything has gone well so far. Great first week.”
The Sixers traditionally hold the scrimmage in Delaware at their G League team’s home field. The Sixers donated 5,000 tickets to local community groups and Sixers Youth Foundation grantee partners, and more than $80,000 was raised for the Sixers Youth Foundation.
The $10 tickets were a steal. They’re hovering around $1,000 a ticket for the 100 level on the secondary market for the Sixers’ Oct. 22 home opener against Cleveland.
James was scheduled to play the first of four preseason games Monday and mark the start of his record 24th NBA season.
“It would be nice to get out with some of our guys to just get in the rhythm,” James said. “At the same time, don’t overdo it. We’re investing a lot in our practices right now. We’re fine-tuning what we want to do once the game comes. I think there will be opportunities once we get out there in preseason.”
Philadelphia opens the season on October 20 in New York against the NBA champion Knicks.
James and the rest of the Sixers have been encouraged that the oft-injured Embiid has been a full participant in camp and appears to be in leaner, lighter shape. Embiid had a left-handed dunk during the scrimmage and later joked; it was “probably the last dunk of my career.”
Jerseys flew off the shelves, the Sixers flew through the air and enthusiasm swirled around the team and for all that James brings to the city.
“They welcomed me with open arms,” James said, “and I feel more and more comfortable every day.”
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