According to ESPN, the 41-year-old signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers. The move ends his eight-season stay with the Lakers.

James announced the decision on X and shared his excitement about joining the franchise.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energise a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James wrote.

Retirement Plans Changed

The four-time NBA champion revealed that he initially expected the 2025-26 season to be his last.

“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James wrote. “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. 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. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”

After spending several weeks reflecting on his future, James decided he still had the motivation to compete at the highest level.

“This is my last decision. 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. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”

Big Pay Cut for Championship Pursuit

The move to Philadelphia comes with a significant salary reduction. James reportedly earned about $50 million per season with the Lakers.

In Philadelphia, he will team up with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Together, they will aim to bring an NBA title to the 76ers.

Before confirming his move, James reflected on the cities that shaped his career. He said he will “forever love” Miami and added that “Northeast Ohio will always [be] home!”

Philadelphia becomes the fourth franchise of James’ career. The veteran star will now chase a fifth NBA championship in what he described as his final basketball journey

LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA legend said his desire to compete for another championship convinced him to continue playing instead of retiring.

According to ESPN, the 41-year-old signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers. The move ends his eight-season stay with the Lakers.

James announced the decision on X and shared his excitement about joining the franchise.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energise a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James wrote.

Retirement Plans Changed

The four-time NBA champion revealed that he initially expected the 2025-26 season to be his last.

“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James wrote. “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. 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. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”

After spending several weeks reflecting on his future, James decided he still had the motivation to compete at the highest level.

“This is my last decision. 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. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”

Big Pay Cut for Championship Pursuit

The move to Philadelphia comes with a significant salary reduction. James reportedly earned about $50 million per season with the Lakers.

In Philadelphia, he will team up with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Together, they will aim to bring an NBA title to the 76ers.

Before confirming his move, James reflected on the cities that shaped his career. He said he will “forever love” Miami and added that “Northeast Ohio will always [be] home!”

Philadelphia becomes the fourth franchise of James’ career. The veteran star will now chase a fifth NBA championship in what he described as his final basketball journey.