LeBron James announced Friday that he will join the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026-27 NBA season, saying he wants one final opportunity to compete for another championship.
The 41-year-old NBA all-time leading scorer confirmed his decision in a post on X after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent on June 30.
“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.
According to ESPN, James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia.
A four-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player, James won titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and the Lakers in 2020. He will now try to become the first player in NBA history to win championships with four different franchises.
The 76ers strengthened their roster by acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and already feature Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game with the Lakers last season. He admitted he seriously considered retirement before deciding to continue playing.
“This is my last decision,” James posted. “I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
Philadelphia has not won an NBA championship since 1983 and last reached the NBA Finals in 2001. The 76ers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs last season by eventual champion New York.
