Wednesday afternoon on my way home from work, I got a text message from my friend Chenlin Cai to come view his Lebron James mural. The viral Philly mural is in celebration of the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring LeBron for this upcoming 2026-2027 NBA season. Chenlin had let me know that Wednesday he was putting the final seal on the mural for it to be finished, so it’d be best to stop by to see it and also say a much needed hello.
“Public Art like this can really change the community,” said Chenlin Philadelphia Mural Artist.
Upon arrival at the mural, there were two different groups of individuals taking pictures, taking selfies, with Chenlin. After the miniature media frenzy, I was able to greet him. But even through our discussion left and right people were asking for photos with Chenlin and the Lebron Mural. Of the many murals I’ve covered for Chenlin it’s clear that this has been the most popular one with the Philadelphia public, that I have covered in reporting about his art. He chose the location of this mural strategically on the corner of 10th and Arch streets, so that people coming into Chinatown will have to pass it, and as a welcome into the community of Chinatown.
“In all of my mural projects, I’ve tried to promote Asian culture and the support of the Asian community. So I’ve spread all the murals in different corners of Chinatown, like this year with the murals I did with the FIFA World Cup murals. People coming will bring the foot traffic through Chinatown and also support the local businesses here in Chinatown. This is how I support my local community,” said Cai.
For those who have not seen the mural, it is a painting of Lebron James and William Penn. It is on the smaller side compared to Chenlin’s other murals. This image has a two-part meaning.
It pays homage to the original photo captured of Lebron James and fellow retired NBA Player Dwayne Wade when they played on the Miami Heat together. The iconic photo is from an alley oop from Dwayne Wade to Lebron James. But Chenlin’s placement of William Penn where D-Wade stands is the ultimate Philadelphia twist on things.
The shoes that Lebron is wearing in Chenlin’s mural are different from the ones in the original photo. In Chenlin’s mural Lebron is wearing the – Lebron Soldier 14 “Sisterhoods.” A significant factor in this painting, these shoes replace the original black shoes from the photo because Chenlin’s wife bought him this pair of shoes, as his first ever pair of basketball shoes, which he is actually wearing in the photo above.
But another layer to this mural other than the factor of Lebron James has come to Philadelphia, is Chenlin’s purpose behind having the mural in Chinatown, his fandom with Lebron James and the opportunity to represent Chinese culture through his art. Being able to produce art of any kind in the United states, has been a lifelong dream of Chenlins. His hope is that not only will this bring more eyes to the other murals he has done in Philadelphia but to support his culture as well.
Philadelphia is the only city Chenlin has lived in since moving from China, he considers it his second hometown. “When I came here I realized this city needed more art focused on Asian culture.”
As an artist he feels as though it was his responsibility to promote a wider Asian community and how the Asian immigrants contribute to the community. Chenlin is also one of Lebron’s biggest fans, he started following Lebron in 2002 when a young Lebron James was already deemed “The Chosen One” as a high schooler. In Chenlin’s view, James’s impact is going to bring a major positive influence for Philadelphia because Lebron is so supportive of the community and that Lebron has been very supportive of the past cities he has played in.
Chenlin also believes that Lebron can be the guy to bridge gaps between the different cultural communities in Philadelphia, and that was the purpose of Chenlin painting this mural.
“I 100% trust he and the rest of this new team can bring our city a big chance at the championship, we just want him to bring his positive effect to our team and our city. Everything he brings we’re gonna appreciate,” remarked Chenlin.
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