LeBron James’ latest social media message ahead of new NBA season hints hardcore championship chase with Sixers

LeBron James picked an interesting week to remind everyone why the basketball world still watches his every move. One day before his first training camp as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, the 41-year-old posted an Instagram message that read like both a thank-you note and a warning shot to the rest of the Eastern Conference.The post came wrapped in gratitude for the people who pushed him through an unusual offseason, one spent adjusting to a new city, a new roster and a fresh set of expectations. It landed the same day as a separate revelation, delivered on a podcast, where James laid out exactly why Philadelphia won him over.LeBron James drops a message on social media ahead of his first season with PhiladelphiaLeBron James, now officially the $8 million forward on Philadelphia's roster, shared his message on Instagram this past Friday, just days before the Sixers open training camp on Tuesday. The post read: "Helluva way to cap off the off season! Appreciate you boys for the vibes every single morning before the sun came up! Year 24 on the way! LET'S GET IT." He also tagged his training crew, crediting @chrisjohnsonhoops, @corysmithhoops and the group at @jus.hoop for getting his body ready for a 24th professional season.Camp opens Tuesday, and the Sixers begin the regular season on Oct. 20 against the defending champion New York Knicks. James joins a lineup built around Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, plus Jaylen Brown, the two-way wing Philadelphia landed in a trade with Boston this past summer.Why did LeBron James sign with the Philadelphia 76ersJames used a September 25 episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast with Steve Nash to walk through the decision himself. He explained that Maxey, a longtime friend of his sons, was among the first people to call once word got out that he had informed the Lakers he wouldn't return. "I love everything about Tyrese Maxey, man," James said, describing a bond he called rare in sports and in life.The pull toward Philadelphia grew once the Sixers landed Brown in the Boston trade, and it deepened around Embiid. James pointed out that Embiid has accomplished nearly everything the league has to offer except win a title, and said helping him finally get there was part of what drew him east. He also leaned on an old memory of the city, recalling a high school game he played years ago at the Palestra that left him with a lasting feeling about Philadelphia basketball long before any contract was on the table.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.