LeBron James Announces ‘Last Decision,’ Signs With 76ers

PHILADELPHIA, PA — LeBron James is joining the Philadelphia 76ers for what he says will be the final chapter of his NBA career, announcing Friday that he has signed with the franchise after seriously considering retirement.

James, 41, agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract that includes a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania. James earned nearly $53 million with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

In a series of posts on X, James said he initially believed his playing career had ended after the 2025-26 season but changed his mind after reflecting on his future.

"I still truly love this game, and I have more to give," James wrote.

James said his decision was driven by his desire to compete for another championship rather than financial or personal considerations.

"This is my last decision," James wrote. "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."

The four-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP will play for a fourth NBA franchise as he begins a record 24th season. He is seeking a fifth championship and hopes to help Philadelphia end its 43-year title drought. The 76ers last won the NBA championship in 1983.

James spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers, leading the franchise to the 2020 NBA title. He also won two championships with the Miami Heat and delivered Cleveland's first NBA championship in 2016, ending the city's 52-year title drought.

Philadelphia aggressively pursued James during free agency. Paul previously said James was prioritizing "basketball happiness" in choosing his next team. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment President Bob Myers publicly pitched the 76ers as James' best opportunity to compete for another title, while team executives and players, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and newly acquired Jaylen Brown, also recruited him.

James' announcement ended weeks of speculation surrounding his future. Rumors about potential destinations dominated sports media and social media following his departure from the Lakers.

The 76ers finished 45-37 last season before being swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. Following James' signing, DraftKings Sportsbook shortened Philadelphia's NBA championship odds from 20-1 to +900 and its Eastern Conference odds from +750 to +370.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also proclaimed Friday as LeBron James Day in the state.

James has longstanding ties to Philadelphia. As a high school junior at St. Vincent-St. Mary, he played at the Palestra, and after a victory over the 76ers last December, he praised Philadelphia fans for their passion and loyalty.

James' move closes the longest tenure of his career with the Lakers and begins what he says will be his final pursuit of an NBA championship.