The Philadelphia 76ers have taken a small but notable step in their push for LeBron James, and it came from the top.
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark, owner Josh Harris had a brief conversation with James at a VIP event during Fanatics Fest in New York. Clark reported that, beyond the players and the front office, Harris himself has already made a pitch to the superstar as the Sixers try to sell him on Philly.
A source says Sixers owner Josh Harris was able to have a brief, friendly conversation with LeBron James yesterday at a VIP event at Fanatics Fest in New York
I’m told Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and owner Josh Harris have let LeBron know they would love to have him… pic.twitter.com/tvJJDXc478
- John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) July 18, 2026
It’s the kind of move that usually happens behind the curtain in NBA free agency, but this is the first reported instance of Harris personally getting involved in the LeBron pursuit. For Philadelphia, that makes it a quiet but meaningful development.
Harris is not exactly a universally popular figure in Philadelphia, and fans have long been skeptical of his influence. Some have even speculated that he, along with Daryl Morey, pushed strongly for the team’s highly divisive Jared McCain trade.
Still, Harris matters in a recruitment battle like this one. Klutch Sports is known for working closely with top executives and team owners, so his involvement adds another layer to the Sixers’ effort to get James’ attention.
LeBron’s next stop is still unknown, but whoever lands him is likely to get more than just a name on the roster. He has enough clout to shape how a team operates for the rest of the summer, and that’s clearly part of the message Harris is trying to deliver.
Nothing about this guarantees the Sixers will win the race. But Harris stepping into the conversation is at least a sign that Philadelphia is treating the chase seriously, and now the rest of the league waits to see whether that extra push makes a difference.
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