LeBron James ultimately chose the Philadelphia 76ers as his next team after the basketball world waited anxiously for 24 days.
With a player option for the following season, the NBA star is agreeing to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Sixers. This gives him the option to terminate the agreement after a year. James himself expressed on social media that he thought the Philadelphia team this year would be able to win a championship.
He stated:
“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,”
A year earlier, James led the Lakers to the postseason with an average of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. But while the Lakers sought to change course and build around star Luka Doncic, he chose not to re-sign with the organization this offseason.
James will instead play for a 45-37 Sixers team that lost to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoffs. James’ choice to join Philadelphia shocked and excited fans on social media:
42 yr old LeBron James joins the most stacked starting lineup ever assembled on a vet min.
Wow what a decision.
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) July 24, 2026
LeBron James is a 6er pic.twitter.com/zVKkZUiKjm
— NBA Slime (@TerryFranconia) July 24, 2026
LeBron James could become the first player to win a championship with four different franchises.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) July 24, 2026
In a way, the Sixers turned Paul George, two first round picks, and two second round picks into Jaylen Brown which indirectly also led to LeBron James on a minimum. Absolutely bonkers.
— HG (@Harrison_Grimm) July 24, 2026
LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY.
By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan… I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY.
Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/JHsNkCFyyN
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 24, 2026
Insane: On the 24th day of the month, and in the 81st NBA season, LeBron James signs with the Philadelphia 76ers, Kobe Bryant’s birthplace.
We should’ve known all along. (h/t @fliff) pic.twitter.com/vRSOkQobfT
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 24, 2026
Not only is LeBron James a great positional fit and also LEBRON JAMES…
LeBron James making $4 million per year might be the best value contract in the entire NBA. Just a complete game-changer at that price.
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) July 24, 2026
