1 of 5 | LeBron James averaged 20.9 points per game last season for the Los Angeles Lakers. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
NBA great LeBron James plans to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, he announced Friday.
Agent Rich Paul told ESPN that James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract, with a player option. James, 41, said he thought he was finished playing basketball at the end of his 2025-26 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, but “wasn’t ready to announce it.”
James told the Lakers last month that he planned to leave the franchise. He drew free agent interest from the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, among other teams.
“I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game,” James wrote. “I still truly love this game, and I have more to give. The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think.
“I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.”
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James, who will play a record-extending 24th season, will suit up for his fourth different NBA team. The future Hall of Famer, who joined the Heat from the Cavaliers in 2010, returned to Cleveland in 2014 and signed with the Lakers in 2018, said this was the “last decision” of his career.
“I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family,” James said. “What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you L.A. Miami, I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always be home!”
The 76ers, who were 45-37 and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, watched their championship odds skyrocket at sportsbooks after James’ announcement.
They are now among the Top-4 favorites, joining the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and defending champion New York Knicks. The 76ers reached the NBA Finals just once since their trip to the 1983 title series. The lost to Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers in five games in 2001.
James is set to fit into a lineup that also features former Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, guards Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe and center Joel Embiid.
LeBron James, Fernando Mendoza attend Time 100 Sports Gala
NBA star LeBron James (L) and his wife, Savannah, attend the 2026 TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City on July 16, 2026. Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
