Lebron James Signs With 76ers As Star Makes Long-awaited Decision

A decision has been made, finally.

This fall, Lebron James will be taking his talents to the City of Brotherly Love and joining the Philadelphia 76ers, the future Hall-of-Famer announced Friday morning.

The deal is for two years and $8 million with a player option for the 2027-28 season, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. 

James chose the Sixers over his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, another one of his former teams in the Miami Heat, and other contenders around the league. SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reported on July 2 that the Knicks were happy with their current roster, despite the news that James would have chosen to sign with New York had they not won the 2026 NBA Finals.

The 41-year-old said Friday he contemplated retirement after the end of the 2025-26 season, his 23rd in the NBA, but still loves basketball and has "more to give." James noted this will be his "last decision" and wants the "chance at the feeling of winning another championship" as his career winds down.

"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," James posted on X.

James will now team up with 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, recently acquired All-Star and 2024 Finals MVP Jalen Brown, and young stars Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe in an attempt to stop New York from repeating as champions.

While it may be his last year in the association, James is already the NBA's all-time leading scorer, fourth all time in assists with a realistic chance to move up to second place, and 23rd in all time rebounds. Last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James averaged 20.9 points (tied for the lowest of his career with his rookie season), 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game over 60 contests.

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 LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!

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— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026