Philadelphia — LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, closing the book on his eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and setting up what he has called the final chapter of his playing career.
James, 41, agreed to a two-year, $8 million veteran’s-minimum contract with Philadelphia, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move makes the 76ers the fourth franchise of James’ career, after stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers, and comes as he enters a 24th NBA season — already a league record.
James announced the decision himself in a social media post, saying he had believed his career was over at the end of last season but ultimately decided he had “more to give.” He said he chose Philadelphia because he sees it as his best shot at a fifth championship, and that he’s eager to help energize a new fan base for one final run.
The signing caps weeks of speculation that had James linked to the Warriors, Heat and Cavaliers before he settled on the 76ers. According to ESPN, people familiar with his thinking said the decision ultimately came down to which situation gave him the clearest path to a title. His agent also indicated James wanted to preserve his memories of his championship years in Miami rather than risk revisiting them.
In Philadelphia, James joins a retooled core that already includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and newly acquired Jaylen Brown, who arrived this offseason in a trade that sent Paul George to Boston. The 76ers, swept by the New York Knicks in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, are now viewed by many league observers as a legitimate title contender — if an aging James and an injury-prone Embiid can both stay healthy.
Reaction across the league was swift. Maxey and Brown both celebrated the news publicly, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro declared the day of the announcement “LeBron James Day” in the state. Not everyone was thrilled: former NBA star Vince Carter called the move “cheating” and wished the rest of the league luck next season, while the Lakers and Cavaliers, who both pursued James, now turn to building their rosters without him.
James remained productive in his final Lakers season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games. He’ll likely see reduced minutes in Philadelphia’s deep rotation, but is still regarded as one of the league’s top players as he chases a fifth championship ring.
The contract still needs some roster paperwork to become official; the 76ers are expected to waive a player to create the necessary roster spot in the coming days.