LeBron James has announced he will join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year contract after deciding against retirement, calling the move the “last decision” of his NBA career.
The 41-year-old made the announcement on social media on Friday, saying he believes he can help the 76ers become championship contenders after ending his 23-season spell with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“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.
James revealed he seriously considered retiring after the 2025-26 season, admitting he thought he had played his final NBA game before rediscovering his passion for basketball.
“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,” he wrote. “I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
According to ESPN, James is expected to sign a two-year contract worth $8 million, a significant reduction from the nearly $53 million he earned last season.
“I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family,” James wrote. “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.”
James joins a Philadelphia side that has not won an NBA title since 1983, or progressed beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals since 2001. He is expected to team up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown as the 76ers look to mount a serious championship challenge.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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