The Philadelphia 76ers and free-agent superstar LeBron James have agreed to a two-year, $8-million deal, his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The contract includes a player option.
James joins the 76ers after the 22-time All-Star informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he wouldn't return for the 2026-27 campaign and would instead explore free agency.
In a series of social media posts made Friday, James explained that he believes he can help transform Philadelphia into a championship team. He also said this will be his "last decision."
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. 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 L.A. Miami I'll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always (be) home!
In Philadelphia, the NBA's all-time leading scorer will supplement a core consisting of guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe as well as center Joel Embiid. James will also team up with new Sixer Jaylen Brown, whom Philadelphia acquired from the Boston Celtics earlier in July in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-rounders.
The 41-year-old James spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers, guiding the franchise to its 17th title in 2020.
James enters a record-extending 24th season with his fifth team after two spells with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a four-year stretch with the Miami Heat, and a decorated tenure with the Lakers.
He is the NBA's all-time leader in games played (1,622) and the only player in league history with 10,000-plus points, 10,000-plus rebounds, and 10,000-plus assists.
