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LeBron James announced Friday that he will be joining the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
James, 41, reportedly signed a two-year, $8 million deal, at a significant discount, to join the 76ers, ESPN first reported.
James announced his decision in an article on X where he said he thought he was done at the end of last season and had probably played his last game.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks toward his bench after a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during Game 1 of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, May 5, 2026. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)
“I thought I was done at the end of the season. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I had played my last game. I was honest in that last press conference when I said I had to look at myself and decide if I still love this game,” James wrote on X.
“I still really love this game and have more to give.”
James called the last few weeks “special,” saying he’s never been able to take so much time to think about such an important decision.
“I’ve had an incredible few months with everyone I love trying to figure everything out. This is my final decision. I don’t want money. I don’t want a family. Why am I really playing at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to work. I still want to compete and win and have a chance to feel like I win,” James wrote.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The NBA legend said he always wants to sacrifice and work to try to win another NBA title.
“I always want to sacrifice. I always want to work. I always want to work. I always want to compete and win and have a chance to feel like I can win another championship,” James said. “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am very excited to energize a new fan base and begin this incredible journey one last time. Thank you LA. Miami, I will always love and Northeast Ohio will always be home!”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James appears during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on February 10, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file)
The 76ers will be the fourth team James has played for during his illustrious career. For Philadelphia, James is the second major star to join the team this offseason, as they acquired Jaylen Brown in a stunning trade with the Boston Celtics earlier this month.
Last season, the 76ers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and they hope the additions of James and Brown can propel them to a championship.
While James may not be the force he once was, he still remains a productive player entering his 24th season. In 60 games with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game.
