LeBron James announced via X on Friday morning that he is signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
James, who has played with under an NBA-maximum contract since 2010, will now play two seasons at the veteran minimum compensation rate and makes the 76ers a favorite to reach the NBA Finals in 2027.
“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 recognized his previous teams, where he won NBA titles by writing, “Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”
At age 42, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game for the L.A. Lakers during the 2025-26 seasons.
New teammates Jaylen Brown, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics in June, and former MVP Joel Embiid helped recruit James to the 76ers.
Philadelphia also will feature rising superstar Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe in a prospective starting lineup that immediately passed the Celtics in favorable odds to with the Easter Conference.
I find it interesting that the reigning, defending, NBA champion New York Knickerbockers are basically a afterthought. LeBron James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. I am not surprised that he chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. The fact that he has won NBA championships with the Heat, Cavaliers, and Lakers is absolutely incredible. I think the Knickerbockers are being disrespected. Regardless my popcorn will be ready for the NBA season. The 76ers games against the Knickerbockers, Celtics, Cavaliers, Spurs, Thunder, Lakers, and Nuggets are already on my games to watch list. I can’t wait to see the NBA schedule. It’s going to be must see tv.