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See the full story · 2 sourcesLeBron James' blockbuster move to the 76ers fuels record-breaking jersey sales and massive NBA reactions.
LeBron James hasn’t played a minute for the Philadelphia 76ers, and yet, he has already broken a record as a member of the team.
On Wednesday, Fanatics announced that the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar set a new benchmark for jersey sales by an athlete changing teams within 48 hours, surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s previous record.
The NBA world promptly reacted to yet another historic achievement from the four-time MVP.
NBA World Reacts As LeBron James Breaks Shohei Ohtani’s 48-Hour Jersey Sales Record
On Monday, the 76ers officially announced James’ signing on social media, unveiling the 22-time-All-Star’s new blue jersey with his iconic No. 23. A crown, a nod to James’ nickname “The King,” and a hat featuring the franchise logo capped off the simple yet impactful introduction.
It didn’t take long for James to make history in Philadelphia. Two days after the announcement, he surpassed the 48-hour jersey sales record Ohtani set following his high-profile move from the Los Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, prompting widespread reactions from around the NBA.
“INSANE: LeBron James sets all-time record for the best-selling jersey within 48 hours of switching teams. He surpasses Shohei Ohtani in 2023 when he signed with the Dodgers,” 76ersMuse posted .
“The King for a reason,” PrizePicks added .
“I still haven’t processed that the GREATEST player of all time plays for the Sixers,” a 76ers supporter wrote .
“That jersey is going ultra platinum,” another Philadelphia fan commented .
“Bron fans collecting different jerseys, Sixers is their final piece,” a New York Knicks supporter joined the fun.
“Bron can’t stop breaking records,” Legion Hoops posted .
About two weeks ago, James gave fans at the Fanatics Fest in New York a cryptic response about his free-agency decision when he told them to “Trust the Process.” While some thought the 41-year-old star was leaning towards signing with Philadelphia, others were convinced he was only having fun.
On Friday, news dropped that the NBA’s all-time scoring king decided to snub the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and other interested suitors to take his talents to the 76ers.
James announced his decision on X, sending Philadelphia into a frenzy almost instantly. The excitement quickly translated into record-breaking demand, as the New York Post, citing Fanatics data, reported that the four-time NBA Finals MVP sold more merchandise in the first 24 hours of his move to the 76ers than he did when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
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Demand for James jerseys is so high that outlets are out of stock. NBA insider Evan Sidery shed light on how the 76ers are trying to give fans what they want.
“The Sixers are now officially running pre-orders for LeBron James jerseys due to historic demand. Already the NBA’s highest online-selling jersey this summer, Philadelphia’s team store will now be shipping out orders in six weeks,” Sidery wrote .
James hasn’t shared the floor yet with the 76ers’ stacked core, but he is expected to have a key role in their championship aspirations. Off the court, he has already left an indelible impact just by announcing his decision to play for the storied organization.
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