James announced he is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in a post on X on Friday, July 24.
"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," James said. "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."
"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," James added. "I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out," James added. "This is my last decision. 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," James continued. "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!"
The 41-year-old James joins a Philadelphia team that features Joel Embiid, the newly acquired Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey. They advanced to the second round before being swept by the Knicks. According to ESPN, James is signing a two-year, $8 million contract.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Friday, July 24 would be LeBron James Day in Pennsylvania.
"By the power vested in 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," Shapiro said. "Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love."
The all-time leading scorer in NBA history, James spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers, winning an NBA Title in 2020. The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, where James previously played, had been considered the favorites to sign the four-time champion.
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