PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers officially announced the signing of LeBron James on Monday, completing the four-time NBA champion’s two-year, $8 million veteran’s minimum contract.
The team marked the announcement by posting a photo of James’ blue No. 23 jersey hanging in his locker with a crown placed on the shelf above it, a reference to his “King James” nickname.
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organization,” 76ers president Mike Gansey said.
James revealed his decision on social media Friday, describing the move as his “last decision” after seriously considering retirement following his 23rd NBA season 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 said.
The 41-year-old posted workout videos on Instagram on Monday, signaling his preparation for the upcoming season.
James joins a Philadelphia roster featuring All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. The franchise has not won an NBA championship since 1983 and has not advanced beyond the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs since 2001.
“I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly,” team owner Josh Harris said.
James enters his 24th NBA season with a résumé that includes four championships, four MVP awards, four NBA Finals MVP honors, 22 All-Star selections and the league’s all-time scoring record.
He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season. Over his career, James has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists in more than 1,600 games.
The signing also reunites James with Gansey, who joined the 76ers as team president in May after previously working in the Cleveland Cavaliers organization. The two first crossed paths as standout high school basketball players in Ohio more than two decades ago.
