| Prefer us on Google — see Tips.gg in Top Stories & Discover | Add on Google |
LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, the NBA superstar confirmed on social media Friday. The move ends weeks of speculation following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers and marks what James has called his “last decision” in professional basketball.
From Retirement Thoughts to Philadelphia
James admitted he was mentally prepared to walk away from the game after his 23rd NBA season. “I was pretty sure I played my last game,” he wrote in a multi-part social media post. “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.”
Per reports, James will sign a two-year, $8 million deal — a dramatic reduction from the nearly $53 million he earned in 2025-26. He was direct about his reasoning.
“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.” — LeBron James
The Fourth Team of a Historic Career
Philadelphia is the fourth franchise of James’ career. He entered the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, spent four seasons with the Miami Heat winning two championships, returned to Cleveland for the 2016 title run, then joined the Lakers in 2018. He informed the Lakers on June 30 he would not return, remaining the most-watched name in free agency until Friday’s announcement.
James told the Lakers’ press conference after their second-round elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder that championships remain his sole motivation. “Just being able to compete and trying to win championships, I think that’s a motivating factor,” he said.
What the 76ers Roster Looks Like Now
Philadelphia went 45-37 last season and was swept in the second round by the NBA champion New York Knicks. The franchise last won a championship in 1983 and has not advanced past the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs since 2001.
James joins a frontcourt anchored by Joel Embiid and a backcourt featuring Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and a five-time All-Star, was acquired in a major offseason deal with the Boston Celtics. The San Antonio Spurs are also listed among championship contenders, but as of Friday afternoon most betting sites placed the Sixers at 9-1 to win the title, behind the Thunder, Spurs, and Knicks.
“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.” — LeBron James
The Cultural Moment in Philadelphia
James marked the announcement on Instagram with a career highlight reel set to Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares,” the adopted anthem of the city’s sports teams. The video closes on the lyric “hold up, wait a minute. Y’all thought I was finished?” before cutting to a 76ers logo. Maxey responded with a gym celebration video. Jaylen Brown posted “#throwtheballup” on X, a phrase already appearing on billboards across the city. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro proclaimed Friday as LeBron James Day in the state. Fanatics listed his No. 23 jersey at $125, with delivery expected by late August.
The Record Books Behind Him
James will turn 42 on December 30, making him the NBA’s oldest active player. He became the first player in league history to log 23 seasons and will extend that record in 2026-27. He is also the first player to have a son as a teammate, with Bronny James having played alongside him with the Lakers.
His accolades are without parallel: 22-time All-Star, 21-time All-NBA selection, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, three-time All-Star Game MVP, and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. He has led a team to the Finals in 10 seasons, including eight consecutive appearances from 2011-18. Last season he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. For his career: 26.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg, and 7.4 apg across more than 1,600 games.
Read also: LeBron James’ Daughter Zhuri Is Shaping His Free Agency Decision
Follow TipsGG for full coverage of the 76ers’ 2026-27 season, odds updates, and game previews as James chases a fifth championship.