LeBron James Makes Decision On Where He’ll Play His 24th Season

LeBron James announced on Friday that he will be taking his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers for his record-breaking 24th season.

James, 41, took to social media to announce his fourth free-agency decision in his illustrious career, stating he will play for the Sixers in the upcoming 2026-2027 season. James said he believes he “can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team” and is ready to “start this incredible journey one last time.” 

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!

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— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer mentioned he seriously considered retirement after his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now he aims to bring a fourth NBA Championship to Philadelphia. Two of James’ previous teams, the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, were seriously in the running to bring back one of the greatest players of all time to their franchises.

James also said this would be his “last decision” in his storied NBA career, saying his goals were to “compete” and “to win” above all else.

“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family,” James wrote on X. “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.”

out. 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. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

James signed the veteran minimum, a 2-year $8 million contract, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported. The second year of the deal includes a player option, meaning James can opt out and potentially retire after this season.

This is not the only big-time move the 76ers made this offseason. Earlier this month, the Sixers traded for former NBA Finals MVP and Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. James and Brown will join the already dynamic core in Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and V.J. Edgecombe.

The entire league was waiting for the decision. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit that James’ next team would have a major impact on how the league schedules games for the upcoming season.

“[W]here LeBron plays will affect the schedule. So I would like him to make his announcement already, so we can finish the schedule,” Silver said. “So I need him to make a decision.”

Topps, one of the biggest trading card companies in the world, is teaming up with James for the colossal decision by giving away a one-of-one autograph for his first card in a 76ers jersey.

BREAKING: LeBron James is joining the Philadelphia 76ers for his historic 24th NBA season.

LeBron makes it official by signing his first ever 76ers trading card.

One collector who purchases the base edition will receive this 1-of-1 autograph. pic.twitter.com/x9aBBFjVwX

— Topps (@Topps) July 24, 2026

The NBA season is expected to tip off in October 2026, and James and the 76ers immediately become one of the top contenders in the league.