A Philadelphia 76ers supporter has gone viral after using sunblock to spell out James 23 across his back, deliberately exposing the rest of his skin to the sun to create a sunburn jersey effect. The stunt was posted by DraftKings with the caption that Philly fans are built differently. It spread rapidly across social media in the days following LeBron James’ move to the Sixers.
The fan behind it, Joey Abel, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he was simply trying to find the fastest way to get a LeBron James jersey, and that the sunburn idea was genuinely where his mind went first. Doctors do not recommend deliberate sunburn. Still, Abel’s workaround has earned him a moment of internet fame.
Why Fans Are Scrambling for Jerseys
The demand for James merchandise has been extraordinary since his move to Philadelphia was confirmed on July 25, 2026. According to Yahoo Sports and HITC, James has already overtaken Shohei Ohtani’s record for the most jerseys sold by any athlete switching teams within the first 48 hours of a deal. Ticket prices for Sixers games have also risen sharply since the signing was announced. The numbers are staggering.
James Ends Lakers Career to Join Sixers
James announced on social media on July 25 that joining the 76ers would be his final free-agency decision, coming after he had seriously weighed up retirement. He officially became a Sixer on July 27, signing a two-year deal worth a total of eight million dollars on the veteran’s minimum, per the Associated Press.
He told fans he still loves the game and believes he has more to contribute, framing the move as one last competitive push. The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in his final Lakers season.
What James Brings to Philadelphia
The Sixers celebrated the deal with a locker photo showing James’ blue number 23 jersey hanging alongside a crown, a nod to his King James nickname. Team owner Josh Harris said he could not wait to see James playing alongside Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown.
James joins a Sixers roster loaded with All-Star talent. Philadelphia finished 45-37 last season before being swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. That sweep still stings. The franchise has not won a title since 1983.
Team president Mike Gansey, who has known James since their Ohio high school days, called him a consummate professional and the ultimate competitor. James is a four-time champion who previously lifted titles with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, and is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
He is due to turn 42 in December.
