LeBron James is taking his talents to the City of Brotherly Love.
James revealed on Friday that he had signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Finalists for the 41-year-old’s basketball future include Philly and his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. James’ contract and tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers expired at the conclusion of the 2025-26 basketball season. It was not clear at the time whether he would continue playing.
“I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game,” James posted on X. “I was honest in that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and make the decision if I still loved this game.”
He continued his statement: “I still really love this game, and I have more to offer. The last few weeks have been really special.” “I’ve never been able to not have a clue what to do and really take time to just think. I’ve spent a wonderful few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.”
What James discovered was that Philadelphia gave him a very good chance at winning another ring. The team, which plays in the weaker part of the NBA’s two conferences, also added Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown this offseason. Joel Embiid was already there — on paper (and perhaps on the hardwood), the 76ers now have the best frontcourt in all of basketball.
“This is my final decision. I will not run for money. I will not run for family. What am I really playing for at this point?” James wrote. “I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete and win and have a chance to feel like winning another championship.”
James signed with Philly for two years for just $8 million. He made over $50 million last year for the Lakers, so it’s fair to say the pick wasn’t about the money.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I’m so excited to energize a new fan base and start this amazing journey one last time,” his messages concluded. “Thank you LA. I will forever love Miami, and NE Ohio will always be home!”
When the 2026-2027 NBA campaign concludes, James will enter his record-breaking 24th season. If he stays healthy and plays out his contract with the 76ers, James will be in good basketball shape in time for the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles. He had previously downplayed any chance of him continuing to take the field at the Summer Games, including in conversation with him Hollywood Reporter.
“I mean, if I had to look at it through a microscope now, I would say that, being able to support Team USA for the rest of my life — that’s for sure,” James said. THR Last June. “But I actually keep playing, and I don’t see that happening.”
James is the all-time leading scorer in basketball, a four-time champion (with three different clubs: Heat, Cavs and Lakers) and a 22-time NBA All-Star.
