Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says he personally encouraged LeBron James to join the Philadelphia 76ers when the NBA star was a free agent. Speaking with a reporter on the campaign trail Monday, Shapiro said he made the case for Philadelphia and its opportunities for philanthropy.
Shapiro said James surprised him by recognizing him and thanking him for his work. Although the governor was pleased to be known by the basketball star, he did not claim responsibility for bringing him to the team. Shapiro instead credited Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and the other 76ers players with persuading James to sign a two-year contract.
The conversation also touched on Michigan’s Senate race, where Haley Stevens has backed Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Shapiro declined to criticize Stevens directly, said he supports Democrats, and stressed that there is no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia or other forms of hate in politics.
With Election Day approaching, Shapiro said he is not taking his reelection for granted despite strong polling. He said he plans to visit 40 counties in 10 days and campaign for every vote: “I don’t mail it in. I compete for every vote.”
Sources: TMZ.