Superstar LeBron James had made his free agency decision.
When the NBA’s all-time leading scorer decided he would not be remaining with the Los Angeles Lakers, it was because, despite naming the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves as viable options, the prevailing thought was that James would be returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, the two teams he played with before joining the Lakers.
Instead, James will be joining a star-studded roster in Philadelphia as he tries to bring the 76ers a championship and complete his collection on one hand by adding a fifth ring.
LeBron James Discusses His Decision to Join the Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have already had an incredible offseason, pulling off a trade with the Boston Celtics to acquire Jaylen Brown for Paul George and draft picks while making a few other acquisitions, including signing Dean Wade away from another Eastern Conference contender in the Cavaliers and adding Anfernee Simons, who can provide a much-needed scoring boost from the bench.
With All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe entering their second season, the 76ers may be the favorites in the East now.
Although the 76ers were his ultimate choice and all four other contenders to sign him were enticing, James almost decided upon retirement.
“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James admitted. ”I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. 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.”
I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026
James spent the last few months figuring out what he was going to do, and even called the last few weeks “special.”
James signed a two-year deal worth $8 million, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
“The last few weeks have really been special,” James explained. “I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.”
James then explained what factored into his choice.
MORE: NBA World Reacts as LeBron James Signs $8 Million Deal With 76ers
“This is my last decision,” James said. “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 another championship. 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.”
“Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”
With the roster the 76ers have assembled, if they can stay healthy, they will be extremely difficult to beat.
