LeBron James wrote a new chapter in his legendary career by reaching an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer signed a two-year, $8 million contract, with a player option, although he made it clear that this will be “his last decision” as a professional.
The 41-year-old veteran announced that he would not return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 season and explained, through an emotional message on social networks, that after weeks of reflection he discovered that he still has his passion for basketball and the desire to fight for another championship intact.
“I thought I was done when the season ended. I needed time to decide if I still loved this game. The answer is yes. I still want to sacrifice, work, compete and have the opportunity to feel again what it means to win a championship,” James said.
The four-time NBA champion assured that he did not make the decision for money or family reasons, but for the opportunity to help Philadelphia become a title-contending team.
In the 76ers he will share a locker room with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, the young VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown, who recently arrived from the Boston Celtics in a trade for Paul George, in addition to draft picks.
James also dedicated words of gratitude to the franchises that marked his career. “Thank you, Los Angeles. Miami, I will always love you. And Northeast Ohio will always be my home,” he wrote.
After eight seasons with the Lakers, where he won the 2020 championship, LeBron will face the 24th season of his career, expanding his historical record. The 76ers will be the fifth franchise in his career, after his two stages with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his time with the Miami Heat and his cycle with the Lakers.
The future Hall of Fame member arrives in Philadelphia as the NBA’s all-time leader in games played (1,622) and as the only player to have surpassed 10,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists in his career, with the mission of seeking one last ring before retirement.
