Somehow, even entering his 24th season in the NBA, LeBron James was the marquee free agent of the offseason. After a prolonged free agency period, the King has made his last “decision,” electing to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, despite many fans and pundits feeling as if things had set up perfectly for James to return to Northeast Ohio to finish his career where it started with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“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. 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,” James posted on X.
“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.”
The Sixers have a loaded projected starting five consisting of James, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brown, VJ Edgecomb, and Joel Embiid, so it’s easy to see why James thought this would be his best chance to win his sixth NBA title. Still, that didn’t make things any easier for the Cavs community.
Here are some of the reactions from around Lake Erie.
Not sure how this offseason could be characterized as anything other than a disaster so far for the #Cavs. https://t.co/n7tEYsOk16
— Danny Cunningham (@RealDCunningham) July 24, 2026
The #Cavs believe Evan Mobley is a franchise pillar. That’s why he wasn’t on the table in any Jaylen Brown trade talks.
With LBJ heading to Philly, they better be right, or it’ll be a death sentence for everyone involved.
— Mikey McNuggets (@MikeLucasTV) July 24, 2026
Interested to hear what blew it for the Cavs. This is a catastrophic shortcoming
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) July 24, 2026
Everyone in Cleveland is blaming this on Evan Mobley when the Cavs should’ve seriously considered moving Donovan Mitchell.
Shouldn’t have pulled the trigger on that Garland trade either if they wanted Bron back, that clearly was a factor.
— Colb (@___Colb___) July 24, 2026
Cavs chose Mobley over Jaylen Brown and one (or two) years of LeBron. Hope he really makes the leap this year.
— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) July 24, 2026
Don’t bring up northeast Ohio, you led us on again, should’ve just ruled the Cavs out immediately if you were pulling this stunt. Ending your career in a random city? You better win I guess, terrible for your legacy, terrible for a future documentary, and terrible to your fans
— Nick Corwin (@nickcorwin45) July 24, 2026
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.