LeBron James will wear his familiar No. 23 jersey after the Philadelphia 76ers officially confirmed the signing of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on Monday.
The Sixers unveiled James’ new blue No. 23 shirt on social media, placing it in his locker alongside a crown in reference to his “King James” nickname.
Philadelphia managing partner Josh Harris welcomed the 41-year-old and backed him to strengthen a squad that already includes Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
“I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly.
“To LeBron and his family: we are grateful you chose the 76ers, and look forward to this next chapter of your legendary career. Welcome to the 76ers!”
James announced last week that he had chosen Philadelphia in what he described as the “last decision” of his career. He said he believed he could help turn the Sixers into NBA champions.
The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player now has the chance to become the first player to win NBA championships with four different franchises. He won two titles with the Miami Heat before adding one each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.
James spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers, leading the franchise to the 2020 NBA title after earlier spells with Cleveland and Miami.
Philadelphia have waited 43 years for another NBA championship, and the organisation believes the league’s all-time leading scorer can help end that drought.
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organisation,” said Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey.
