LeBron James Signs 2-Year, $8 Million Deal With Philadelphia 76ers

PHILADELPHIA — LeBron James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, extending his playing career into a 24th NBA season.

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ESPN first reported the agreement through agent Rich Paul. The contract includes a player option for the 2027–28 season.

James evaluated retirement after last season ended.

He entered free agency following eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Multiple franchises pursued James during the offseason, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, before he chose Philadelphia.

James announced his decision through a statement on social media, explaining his choice to continue playing.

"I thought I was done when the season ended," James said. "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," James added. "The last few weeks have really been special. 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."

"This is my last decision," James further added. "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," James said. "Thank you LA. Miami I'll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!"

Philadelphia updated its roster earlier this offseason by acquiring All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics.

James joins a starting lineup that includes center Joel Embiid, guard Tyrese Maxey, guard VJ Edgecombe, and Brown.

Philadelphia finished with a 45-37 record last season, defeating Boston in the first round before losing in four games to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games for Los Angeles last season.

He averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds across 10 playoff games before Oklahoma City eliminated Los Angeles in the Western Conference semifinals.

The 41-year-old forward holds four NBA titles, four Most Valuable Player awards, 22 All-Star selections, and the NBA all-time scoring record.