Photo Credit: Jim Poorten / National Basketball Association / Getty
LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers for what he says will be the final chapter of his legendary NBA career.
After seriously considering retirement, the 41-year-old announced Friday that he will sign a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal includes a player option and marks James’ fourth NBA team after stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.
“This is my last decision,” James wrote on X. “I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice, work and grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
LeBron Chose Winning Over Everything Else
James revealed that he initially believed his playing career had ended after the 2025-26 season before taking several weeks to reflect on his future.
“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,” he wrote. “I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
The four-time NBA champion reportedly prioritized the best opportunity to compete for another title over financial considerations. After earning nearly $53 million with the Lakers last season, he accepted a significantly smaller contract to join a Philadelphia team built around Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and newly acquired Jaylen Brown.
76ers Mounted Full-Court Recruiting Effort
Philadelphia made James its top offseason target, with team president Mike Gansey maintaining regular communication with James’ agent, Rich Paul.
Meanwhile, Maxey, Embiid and Brown all played active roles in recruiting the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment president Bob Myers also publicly pitched the 76ers as James’ best chance to win another championship.
The signing immediately boosted expectations in Philadelphia, with the 76ers becoming one of the favorites to contend for the Eastern Conference title.
Lakers Era Comes to an End
James leaves the Lakers after eight seasons, highlighted by the franchise’s 2020 NBA championship. His departure also ends his historic run alongside his son, Bronny James, though Rich Paul clarified that the father and son are “not a package deal.”
Philadelphia, which has not won an NBA championship since 1983, hopes James can help end its four-decade title drought.
As he enters a record-setting 24th NBA season, James made it clear his motivation remains unchanged.
“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.”
