James said in a series of posts on X that this was not about money or family, but about grinding, competing and winning. He said he's not done playing basketball yet and he thinks Philadelphia is the place to continue doing it and win an NBA Championship.
Within an hour, billboards across the region shared the news.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also proclaimed July 24 to be LeBron James Day.
"By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan... I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY," Shapiro said in a post on X.
Action News caught up with fans as they were just learning about the news.
"I'm excited! LeBron coming to the Sixers, man, we're about to win a 'chip!" said one excited fan. "Welcome to Philly! We're going to show him how we do it."
"Yes! I never thought it would happen. Oh man, that's awesome," said another fan when he heard the news.
Philadelphia 76ers fans hyped amid LeBron James announcement
It is unknown if and when Sixers officials will speak about LeBron James after it was announced that he will be signing an $8 million two-year contract.
So far, the Sixers have no comment and referred us to what James posted online Friday.
Over the last few weeks, there has been much speculation as to where LeBron James would go with his free agency and where he would possibly wrap up his career.
The NBA all-time leading scorer left the Los Angeles Lakers after last season. He said in his posts that this time has really allowed him to think about what he wants to do.