LeBron James has announced what he described as the “last decision” of his NBA career, confirming he will join the Philadelphia 76ers after ending his eight-year spell with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 41-year-old will enter a record-extending 24th NBA season and becomes a member of his fourth NBA franchise. James has previously won NBA championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and the Lakers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, citing Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul, James has agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract that includes a player option. CNN Sports also confirmed the contract details.
In a series of posts on X, the four-time NBA champion opened up about the thought process behind his latest move, saying the decision came after weeks of reflection.
“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James said in multiple posts on X. “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.
“The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.
“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.
“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 (be) home!”
James’ departure brings an end to a Lakers chapter that began in 2018. He guided the franchise to the 2020 NBA title during the COVID-19 pandemic bubble, while also adding to his legacy by surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Despite several individual milestones, the Lakers were unable to reclaim championship success after their 2020 triumph.
Even the arrival of Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade in 2025 failed to revive their title hopes, as Los Angeles was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs last season.
