LeBron James Joins the Philadelphia 76ers: “This is my last decision”
The 41-year-old NBA superstar heads back to the Eastern Conference after an 8-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James speaks onstage during The Shop Live panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at Jacob Javits Center on July 17, 2026 in New York City.
Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics.
LeBron James is joining the Philadelphia 76ers. The 41-year old NBA superstar is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the choice, which comes after several weeks of speculation.
"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," he wrote. James ultimately chose the 76ers, committing to a fourth NBA team as he plays for a possible fifth NBA championship before retirement.
“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. 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.”
Per ESPN, Bob Myers, president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Sixers, appeared as a guest on Paul's podcast, Game Over, with co-host Max Kellerman, where he made a digital pitch to James. He was part of a push that also included several high-profile Sixers players.
"If he was here, I'd say, 'I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important,'" Myers said. "What I would just say is, if it's about winning, let's talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philadelphia."
James made nearly $53 million playing with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
