LeBron James leaves Lakers, joins Philadelphia 76ers on two-year, $8M deal for 24th NBA season
The 41-year-old, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, announced the move Friday, calling it his 'final decision' and saying he still wants to compete for a championship.
The announcement
LeBron James informed the basketball world on Friday that his next NBA stop is Philadelphia. After eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 41-year-old forward will wear a 76ers jersey for his record-extending 24th campaign. ESPN journalist Shams Charania first reported the move, which ends a three-week period of speculation since 30 June, when the Lakers confirmed James would not return.
Contract detail and motivation
Multiple reports, including ESPN, state that James will sign a two-year pact worth $8 million. The sum is symbolic when placed against the almost $53 million he collected last season. James described the choice in a social-media post as his 'final decision,' stressing that neither money nor family drove the switch.
This is my final decision. I'm not going for money. I'm not going for family. What am I really playing for at this moment? I still want to dedicate myself. I still want to work, work hard. I still want to compete, win and have a chance to win another championship.
A legendary career in motion
The Philadelphia chapter adds a fourth franchise to James's résumé. He began with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, moved to the Miami Heat in 2010, returned to Cleveland in 2014, and then landed in Los Angeles in 2018. Each stop delivered a title: Miami in 2012 and 2013, Cleveland in 2016, and the Lakers in 2020. His arrival in Philadelphia marks the final stop of a journey that started over two decades ago.
- Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers, begins NBA career.
- Joins Miami Heat, wins titles in 2012 and 2013.
- Returns to Cleveland Cavaliers, delivers 2016 championship.
- Signs with Los Angeles Lakers, wins 2020 championship.
- Announces move to Philadelphia 76ers for 24th NBA season.
Records and sustained excellence
James remains the oldest active player in the league. In March he broke Robert Parish's record for career regular-season games played. Last season he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists across 60 contests. In February he was named to his 22nd consecutive All-Star Game, a league record. He has been voted to 21 All-NBA First Teams, earned four regular-season MVP awards, four Finals MVP honors, and a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. He is the all-time leader in both points and games played.
What Philadelphia receives
James ended his announcement with a direct message to his new city: he believes he can help the 76ers become a championship team and is excited to energise a new fanbase. The Sixers, who have not reached the Finals since 2001, now add one of the greatest players ever for a final push. James made clear that his lone remaining goal is another ring, calling the Philadelphia move 'this incredible journey for the last time.'
