PHILADELPHIA – Four-time Finals MVP, four-time MVP, and 22-time All Star LeBron James has agreed to a deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is signing a two-year, $8 million contract, with a player option, to team up with players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“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 in a post on X.
“This is my last decision,” he said on X.
“LEBRON IS COMING TO PHILLY,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X.
“By the power vested in the 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.”
The “decision” came after a three-week free agency period in which James deliberated where he would spend his 24th season following a departure from the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons.
His last season with the Lakers was rocky as the team slowly pivoted to a Luka Doncic-centered roster. Still, he averaged nearly 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds per game. Now, after his longest tenure with any team in his career, he will be taking his talents to Philadelphia.
Lehigh Valley native and Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took to social media to welcome “The King”.
“Welcome to the city! Let me know when you tryna tee it up [golf emojis],” Barkley said on X.
James’ magnum opus was a 3-1 comeback against the historic 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals. It was the first time in history a team has comeback down three games to one in the Finals.
More recently, James captained the ship for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning MVP honors as the red, white and blue took home gold against a vaunted France team.
Friday’s decision is the first step in the curtains closing on one of, if not the best, basketball careers of all time.