LeBron James joins the Philadelphia 76ers in what he calls his ‘last decision’

The NBA’s career scoring leader will begin a record-extending 24th season in Philadelphia after seriously considering retirement.

LeBron James is taking his record-setting career to Philadelphia. LeBron James joins the Philadelphia 76ers for what he called his “last decision,” choosing the Eastern Conference contender after seriously considering retirement following the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff exit.

The 41-year-old announced the move Friday in a post on X. James wrote that he initially believed his career might be over, but time away from the season helped him recognize that he still loves basketball and believes he has more to give.

“This is my last decision,” James wrote. He said the choice was not about money or family, but about continuing to work, compete and pursue another championship.

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!

🙏🏾🫡👑— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

James said he believes he can help turn Philadelphia into a championship team and is excited to begin one final journey with a new fan base. He joins a 76ers roster led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and newly acquired Jaylen Brown.

The Philadelphia move ends James’ eight-season run with the Lakers. He won the 2020 NBA championship in Los Angeles and later made history by sharing the court with his son, Bronny James. They became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game in October 2024.

James had already informed the Lakers that he intended to play elsewhere in 2026-27, setting off weeks of speculation involving Philadelphia, Cleveland, Miami and Golden State. His extended free agency also affected the league calendar, with NBA commissioner Adam Silver saying the uncertainty was delaying opening-week, Christmas Day and nationally televised matchups.

LeBron James joins the Sixers after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds during the 2025-26 regular season. He remains the NBA’s career scoring leader, a four-time league MVP and a four-time champion.

Philadelphia becomes the fourth franchise of his career after Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles. His 24th season will extend his NBA record and give him another opportunity to chase the fifth championship of his career.

The announcement ends one of the summer’s biggest questions while opening what James described as the final chapter of his playing journey.