NBA legend LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, agreeing to a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option for a potential 25th season, multiple reports confirmed Friday.
The move marks a stunning free-agency twist for the 41-year-old all-time leading scorer after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James announced the decision on social media, writing that he nearly retired but still loves the game and wants one more title chase.
“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,” he posted.
He added that he still wants to “grind,” “compete,” and pursue “the feeling of winning another championship.”
The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania via Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, pairs James with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and newly acquired Jaylen Brown.
It positions the Sixers as Eastern Conference contenders after a busy offseason that included trading for Brown.
James becomes the fourth franchise of his career, following stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers.
James’ résumé remains unmatched in longevity and production.
Drafted No. 1 overall by Cleveland in 2003 out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, he has won four NBA championships (2012, 2013 with Miami; 2016 with Cleveland; 2020 with Los Angeles), four Finals MVPs, and four regular-season MVPs.
He is a 22-time All-Star, holds the NBA’s all-time scoring record, and owns career averages of roughly 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists across more than 1,600 games.
He also claimed Olympic gold medals, including MVP honors in 2024.
The announcement quickly drew a response from President Donald Trump.
Asked about the greatest NBA player amid news of James’ signing, Trump praised Michael Jordan as a personal friend and golf partner.
Of James, Trump said: “And I think LeBron is – maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. But I only like people that like me.”
The remarks came during a White House event and immediately circulated widely.
The exchange continues a years-long public feud.
It intensified in 2017–2018 when James criticized Trump’s travel ban, comments on race, and treatment of athletes who protested during the national anthem.
Trump responded by questioning James’ intelligence after a CNN interview with Don Lemon about James’ I Promise School in Akron, tweeting that Lemon “made LeBron look smart, which isn’t easy to do” and adding “I like Mike!” James has repeatedly accused Trump of using sports and race to divide the country.
At 41 and entering his record 24th season, James takes a significant pay cut to chase another ring in Philadelphia.
Whether the Sixers can deliver a fifth title remains the central question as training camps approach.
For now, the basketball world is focused on King James in Sixers red, white, and blue—and on the latest chapter of his long-running clash with the president.
