Jalen Hurts did not need long to weigh in on LeBron James arriving in Philadelphia. After the first Eagles training camp session on July 29, the quarterback spoke about what James’ move to the 76ers means for the city and welcomed another global sports star to Philadelphia.
What Jalen Hurts Said About LeBron James Joining Philadelphia
Hurts was asked about LeBron James following Wednesday’s training camp session and made it clear that he believes the move is significant for Philadelphia.
“I think for what he represents in sports and sports culture, it’s huge, and I think it’s huge for the city of Philadelphia,” Hurts told reporters, according to Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “So, it’ll be exciting to have a figure like that in the city. What he’s done, one of the greatest to ever do it, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Hurts’ comments reflect the wider significance of James choosing Philadelphia. The four-time NBA champion is one of the biggest names in professional sports, and his arrival gives the city another major sporting figure to follow alongside the Eagles’ reigning Super Bowl champions.
LeBron James’ Philadelphia 76ers Move
James officially signed with the 76ers on July 26 after announcing his decision two days earlier. The deal is worth $8 million over two seasons and includes a player option for the second year, giving James the choice to become a free agent again after the 2026-27 season. The contract also includes a 15% trade kicker.
The move gives Philadelphia another superstar for a roster already built around Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is also expected to play a significant role for the Sixers.
James arrives in Philadelphia at 41 years old and after 23 NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games during the 2025-26 season.
His arrival also represents a major statement from the Sixers, who are trying to build a roster capable of competing for a championship immediately.
Where The Eagles Stand As Training Camp Opens
While Hurts was discussing James, his own focus is firmly on an important 2026 season with the Eagles.
Hurts enters his seventh NFL season after throwing for 3,224 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025. He also rushed for 421 yards and eight touchdowns while starting 16 games. Philadelphia finished 11-5 in the regular season before suffering a first-round playoff exit.
The Eagles also enter the season without A.J. Brown, who was traded to the New England Patriots in June. Philadelphia received a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in the deal. Brown finished his final season with the Eagles with 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.
That leaves Hurts and the Eagles adjusting to a significantly different receiving corps. DeVonta Smith remains one of the team’s key offensive weapons, while Philadelphia will need its other pass catchers to take on larger roles following Brown’s departure.
Hurts And LeBron Give Philadelphia Two Major Sports Stars
The connection between Hurts and James is more than a convenient Philadelphia storyline. Both are entering important periods with teams that expect to compete at the highest level.
Hurts is coming off a season in which the Eagles reached the playoffs but failed to make another deep postseason run. James, meanwhile, has joined a Sixers roster that has undergone significant changes in pursuit of a championship.
Hurts’ comments show that he understands what James’ arrival can mean beyond the basketball court. James has spent more than two decades as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and his decision to play in Philadelphia immediately adds another layer of attention to the city’s sports scene.
For the Eagles, however, the focus now turns back to football. Hurts and the rest of the team will spend the coming weeks preparing for the 2026 season, while James and the Sixers begin building around their new superstar.
Philadelphia now has two of the biggest names in American sports operating in the same city. Hurts appears more than happy to welcome James to town, but both stars will ultimately be judged by what they accomplish once their respective seasons begin.
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