LeBron James is officially a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia sports radio erupted within seconds of the announcement on SportsRadio 94WIP and 97.5 The Fanatic.
What We Know: According to ESPN, James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. The move ends his eight-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Consequently, he joins Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers become the fourth franchise of his 24-year career.
What They Said: (All quotes from SportsRadio 94WIP, 97.5 The Fanatic, LeBron James)
94WIP Host Hugh Douglas on LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers: “The games are going to be bananas. Like the energy around the Sixers this year is going to be bananas. That’s the first thing I thought about was the fact that it’s gonna be a movie damn near every night there at home. Everywhere he goes, it’s gonna be a movie.”
97.5 The Fanatic Sean Brace on LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers: “Well, here we are. Nobody knew a damn thing. LeBron James is coming to the 76ers to compete for a fifth title, LeBron James is not here for fun. He’s not here for golf. He wants to compete for a championship. This is a monster get.”
94WIP Host Joe Giglio on LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers: “This is one of the greatest days in Philadelphia sports history. I don’t know how else to say it as simply as that. LeBron James chose the Sixers. He’s coming here, and for the first time in a very long time, you could say with a straight face the Sixers can win the NBA championship.”
LeBron James on signing with the Philadelphia 76ers (via X): “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. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.
The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out. This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?
I still want to sacrifice. Still want to work, still want to grind, and still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.
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.
Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear when the Sixers will formally introduce James.
What It Means: Philadelphia instantly becomes an NBA title contender, at least on paper. Meanwhile, both stations jumped into the news in mere seconds of the story breaking on social media. Both 94WIP and The Fanatic were instantly active on social platforms, their video feeds, and on air taking reaction to the news. An overall job well done by both brands being prepared to attack the news as it broke.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.