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LeBron James makes NBA free agency decision, announces plans to sign with 76ers
By Ryan Canfield
Published July 24, 2026
LeBron James announced Friday that he will be joining the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
James, 41, is reportedly signing a two-year, $8 million deal, taking a major discount, to join the 76ers, ESPN first reported.
James said he thought he was done at the end of the season and said he was pretty sure he had played his final game.
"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. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game," James wrote on X.
"I still truly love this game, and I have more to give."
James called the last few weeks "special," saying he has never before been able to take this much time to think through such an important decision.
"I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all 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," James wrote.
The NBA legend said he still wants to sacrifice and work to try to win another NBA title.
"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," James said.
"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 76ers will be the fourth team James has played for in his illustrious career. For Philadelphia, James is the second major star to join the team this offseason, as they acquired Jaylen Brown in a stunning trade with the Boston Celtics earlier this month.
Last season, the 76ers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and they hope the additions of James and Brown can propel them to a championship.
While James may not be the force he once was, he still remains a productive player going into his 24th season. In 60 games with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lebron-james-nba-free-agency-76ers