LeBron James is suddenly pandering to the city of Philadelphia and it’s getting rather uncomfortable

LeBron James has been on a full-blown media blitz lately, and I can’t help but notice a strange new development: he’s pandering hard to Philadelphia. Like, really hard.

Saquon Barkley? Joel Embiid? Even calling out Marcus Hayes? This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s starting to feel like a desperate audition for honorary citizenship.

First, let’s give credit where it’s due. LeBron’s segment on The Pat McAfee Show was entertaining. He hyped up Saquon’s ridiculous spin-hurdle move against the Jags and shouted out the fact that Barkley did it all while wearing his signature cleats.

Cool moment. It seemed like authentic excitement but for whatever reason, I just find this all a bit too much from LeBron James.

LeBron James: “When Saquon did that move he had my kicks on…”

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I promise that absolutely no one gives a shit that Saquon was wearing LeBron James cleats right? Everyone is still trying to figure out how Saquon Barkley managed a backwards hurdle and absolutely no one is questioning whether or not the cleats had something to do with it but sure LeBron, do your thing.

LeBron Jameson Joel Embiid and talking shit on Marcus Hayes.

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WATCH: Lebron James calls out Marcus Hayes over his locker room incident with Joel Embiid

For those keeping track, Saquon Barkley gets a shoutout, Joel Embiid gets defended, and the city’s most-hated columnist gets dunked on. That’s the holy trinity of Philly pandering.

Whatever it is, I’m not totally buying it. LeBron is one of the greatest athletes we’ve ever seen—but this whole “Hey Philly, I’m one of you now” tour is a little too on the nose. He’s suddenly behind the mic playing the role of relatable, down-to-earth guy who just so happens to love the same players we do. It’s all starting to feel more curated than candid.

So sure, LeBron—keep hyping up Saquon. Keep throwing haymakers at Marcus Hayes. But don’t be surprised if Philly doesn’t immediately roll out the red carpet. We’ve seen this kind of charm offensive before, and this city doesn’t fall for it unless it’s the real deal.

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