LeBron James announces he is signing with 76ers - NBA.com

What the report says

NBA.com News Services reported that LeBron James announced Friday on social media that he plans to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, returning to the Eastern Conference after his most recent stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. James, the NBA’s career scoring leader, described the move as his “last decision” and said he had seriously weighed retirement after his 23rd season.

According to the report, James is expected to join a Philadelphia frontcourt led by Joel Embiid for the 2026-27 season. The article cited reports that the deal is for two years and $8 million, a major reduction from the nearly $53 million he earned in 2025-26. James had informed the Lakers on June 30 that he would not come back, leaving him as the biggest name available in free agency until Friday’s announcement.

The signing would make Philadelphia the fourth franchise of James’ career, after Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles. NBA.com noted that the 76ers have not won a championship since 1983 and have not gone beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals since 2001. The team reportedly also features Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, giving Philadelphia a high-profile core after a 45-37 season that ended with a second-round sweep by the champion New York Knicks.

The report framed the decision as another late-career championship pursuit for James, who turns 42 on Dec. 30. His career résumé includes four NBA titles, four MVP awards, 22 All-Star selections and 10 Finals appearances.