RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesIt's official, LeBron James is taking his talents Philly.
Following the stunning news that King James will sign a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers , the Sixers automatically rise to the top of the Eastern Conference favorities.
The signing of James caps a remarkable offseason for Philadelphia following a second-round playoff loss to the eventual-NBA champion New York Knick.
n a stunning trade, the Sixers sent veteran forward Paul George and draft picks to the hated-Boston Celtics for All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown.
The trade for Brown was likely a major reason why James decided to sign with Philadelphia. Another main attraction, along with former MVP Joel Embiid, was the emergence of young guards Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe.
Now fans are asking, when will the Sixers two newest stars come to Philly? Here's what we know:
LeBron James press conference?
After most major acquisitions, teams make players available to the media to announce the signing/trade and to speak with the media. However, this is LeBron James, so this is no normal circumstance.
James did not have an introductory press conference with the Lakers when he joined the team in 2018. He did not speak to the media in Los Angeles until media day.
The four-time MVP has not participated in an introductory press conference since deciding to join Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade as a member of the Miami Heat in 2010.
“There’s not going to be an introductory press conference,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst during the July 23 episode of “First Take.” “You don’t have to get it ready. After ‘not 5, not 6, not 7’ LeBron is done with introductory press conferences. … If he does one, it’ll be on his platforms and not an open thing that you’re gonna have.”
LeBron James heat YouTube error
The closest thing to a James press conference turned out to be fake.
The Miami Heat accidentally posted a scheduled YouTube livestream titled “LeBronJames Introductory Press Conference” for July 27, a team spokesperson told ESPN's Shams Charania .
The link was mistakenly published while preparing for a possible James signing. It has since been deleted.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported the Heat employee who accidentally scheduled press conference video had a vacation scheduled for this week and was trying to get ahead of work in case James signed with Miami.
How old is LeBron James?
James is 41 years old and is entering his 24th season in the NBA. He will turn 42 years old on Dec. 30.
Projected Sixers starting lineup with LeBron James
With James signing with Philadelphia, the Sixers would potentially have one of the most talented starting lineups in the NBA. Here's what it might look it:
Sixers potential starting lineup
Joel Embiid, C
LeBron James, PF
Jaylon Brown, SF
V.J. Edgecombe, G
Tyrese Maxey, G
Sixers bench
Labaron Philon Jr., G
Anfernee Simons, G
Dean Wade, F
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F
Justin Edwards, F
Dominick Barlow, F
Adem Bona, C
Ariel Hukporti, C
Jabari Walker, F
When does the Sixers season start?
The 76ers will open the preseason on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. against the Boston Celtics.
When does the NBA schedule come out?
The NBA has yet to release the regular season schedule, likely because it was waiting for James to make his free agent decision.
James H. Williams contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Will there be a LeBron James press conference after signing with Sixers?
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.