LeBron James is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers, says title chase led to final career move
NBA legend LeBron James announced he will join the Philadelphia 76ers for what he described as the final chapter of his illustrious career, saying his decision was driven solely by the pursuit of another championship rather than money or family reasons.
The 41-year-old, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, confirmed the move on Friday, ending his eight-year tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. James will enter a record-extending 24th NBA season with the 76ers, hoping to help the franchise end its 43-year wait for an NBA title.
“This is my final decision. I’m not going for the money. I’m not going for the family. What am I really playing for at this point?” James wrote on social media.
“I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to work hard. I still want to compete and win and have a chance to feel like winning another championship.”
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to encourage a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.” LeBron James shares his thoughts on the big move. (Image: X/@KingJames)
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James made it clear that his latest career move was motivated by one goal: winning.
After spending the last eight seasons with the Lakers and handed them the 2020 NBA championship, the four-time NBA champion said he spent the offseason thinking about whether he still had the desire to continue 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 make up my mind, but I was pretty sure I had played my last game,” James revealed.
“I was honest in that last press conference when I said that I have to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still really love this game and I have more to give.”
According to ESPN, James has agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers that includes a player option. Neither James nor the franchise officially disclosed the financial terms of the deal.
Philadelphia made the 2026 NBA Playoffs as the seventh seed in the play-in tournament before losing to the eventual champion New York Knicks in the second round.
END OF AN ERA
James leaves behind one of the most decorated careers in basketball history. Since being selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, he has built a resume that includes four NBA championships, four Finals MVP awards and numerous individual records.
His career took him from Cleveland to Miami, back to Cleveland, and then to Los Angeles, where he became an NBA champion again in 2020 in the league’s bubble in Orlando.
Last season, James extended his remarkable longevity by earning a record 22nd straight NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 regular season games, proving he remains one of the league’s most productive players despite entering his 40s.
He also added another historic milestone in 2024 when he and his son Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA regular season game together.
ONE FINAL CHAPTER
James drew interest from several suitors during free agency, with reports linking Cleveland, Miami, Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves with the veteran superstar.
In the end, Philadelphia won the race by offering James one last opportunity to chase a fifth NBA championship.
As one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen prepares for his 24th season, the focus now shifts from individual milestones to one last attempt at basketball immortality by ending the 76ers’ four-decade wait for another NBA title.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
24 Jul 2026 22:08 IST