Four-time NBA champion LeBron James has signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The move officially brings him to Philadelphia for the 2026-27 season.
James will join Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey as the Sixers chase their first NBA championship since 1983.
The signing came three days after James announced his decision on social media. He will now continue his NBA career in Philadelphia after previous spells with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
James turns 42 in December. He has already set his sights on helping the 76ers win another championship.
The NBA star posted videos on Instagram with the caption:
“It’s that time again. 4:12 AM. Let’s get it.”
Philadelphia also confirmed the move with a simple photo. The image showed James’ blue No. 23 jersey hanging in a locker. A crown sat on the shelf as a nod to his “King” nickname.
76ers team officials welcome LeBron James
Philadelphia 76ers president Mike Gansey welcomed James to the team. He said there are no words to measure the impact the NBA star could have on the organization.
Gansey and James have known each other since their high school days in Ohio. James won the state’s Mr. Basketball award in 2001 while playing for St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School.
Gansey attended Olmsted Falls High School and finished as the runner-up to James in that award race.
His career later took him to Cleveland. He worked for the Cavaliers in 2011 and became the team’s general manager in 2022.
Philadelphia then appointed Gansey as president after Daryl Morey left the position.
Gansey described James as a “consummate professional, the ultimate competitor and a tireless worker.”
He also praised James away from the court. Gansey called him an “incredible person with natural leadership traits” and highlighted his commitment to his family and community.
James’ value to the Sixers
Team owner Josh Harris expressed excitement with James playing alongside Brown, Edgecombe, Embiid and Maxey, saying he cannot wait to see the team “work to deliver a championship for Philly”.
The Sixers went 45-37 last season and were swept in the second round by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
James, who is the league’s all-time leading scorer and a 21-time All-NBA selection, averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game last season with the Lakers.
He is the first player in NBA history to be named NBA Finals MVP with three different franchises.
He has taken teams into the NBA playoffs 19 times, matching a league record, with post-season averages of 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocked shots over 302 games.
READ NEXT: Japan’s B.League to allow three imports on the court at the same time for 2026-27 season
