LeBron James Leaves Lakers, Signs With 76ers on Two-Year Deal
LeBron James is heading to Philadelphia, ending months of speculation over where the NBA's all-time leading scorer would play the next chapter of his career.
James announced the decision himself Friday on X, confirming he's signing with the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal that includes a player option, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, who cited James' agent, Rich Paul. The move ends James' eight-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers, a stretch that included leading the franchise to its 17th NBA 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," James wrote. He also thanked the cities that shaped his career. "Thank you LA. Miami I'll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!"
James described the decision as the last of his career. "This is my last decision," he wrote. "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."
A Decision That Came After Real Uncertainty
James' path to Philadelphia wasn't a straight line. Following the end of last season, James suggested he seriously weighed retirement before deciding to keep playing. "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," James said. "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."
For most of the offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors were widely viewed as the frontrunners for James' next stop, with the 76ers considered more of an outside possibility. Rich Paul had said James was prioritizing "basketball happiness" in making his decision, and according to reporting, the 76ers pitched their situation to James specifically as a genuine chance to compete for a championship.
A Surprising Landing Spot
The announcement caught much of the basketball world off guard. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark reportedly learned the news in the middle of a press conference ahead of WNBA All-Star weekend, and league executives were described as being in shock over the decision, given how strongly Cleveland and Miami had been expected to land him.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro celebrated the news in dramatic fashion. "LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY," Shapiro wrote on X. "By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan... I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY. Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, @KingJames."
James will turn 42 during the upcoming season and will be entering his 24th year in the league, joining a 76ers roster built around All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey as he pursues what he has described as his final shot at another title.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.