LeBron James signs two-year deal with 76ers after contemplating retirement
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LeBron James is heading to Philadelphia. The 21-year veteran has agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team confirmed on July 24, 2026.
In a series of social media posts published shortly after the announcement, the 41-year-old forward acknowledged that he nearly ended his career when the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2026 playoffs. “I thought I was done when the season ended,” James wrote, explaining that he needed time to decide whether he still loved the game.
James said the past few weeks allowed him to “take real time to just think,” ultimately concluding that he still wants to “sacrifice, work, grind, compete, [and] win.” He labeled the move to Philadelphia “my last decision,” stressing that money and family were not factors. “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,” he added.
Before signing with the 76ers, James spent six seasons with the Lakers, winning the 2020 NBA championship. He previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, collecting four league titles and four MVP awards.
The 76ers have already overhauled their roster this offseason, acquiring Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade. James is expected to join a starting lineup that many league observers now consider among the NBA’s most talented.
Former Lakers teammate Kyle Kuzma recently cited James—along with Rajon Rondo—as one of the most influential players he has ever worked with, underscoring the veteran’s impact on younger teammates throughout his career.
James thanked fans in Los Angeles, Miami, and Northeast Ohio in his posts, declaring Philadelphia the final stop in his NBA journey.
Source: Lakers Nation
