LeBron James is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers, saying it will be his ‘last decision’ - AP News

What the report says

Associated Press reported that LeBron James announced Friday on social media that he is joining the Philadelphia 76ers, describing the move as his “last decision” after weighing retirement. The 41-year-old NBA career scoring leader said his 23rd season, spent with the Los Angeles Lakers, had left him seriously considering whether he had played his final game, but he decided he still wanted to compete.

According to AP, James said he believes he can help turn Philadelphia into a championship team and is excited to play for a new fan base in what he framed as one final chapter. ESPN, cited in the AP report, said James is expected to sign a two-year, $8 million veteran-minimum contract with the Sixers, a sharp reduction from the nearly $53 million he earned the previous season.

The move would add a four-time NBA champion to a 76ers team that AP said went 45-37 last season before being swept in the second round by the eventual NBA champion New York team. The report noted the broader stakes for Philadelphia, a franchise with a long title drought, and compared the potential impact to James’ role in ending Cleveland’s championship drought with the Cavaliers in 2016.

AP also reported an immediate commercial and cultural reaction: James posted a highlight video set to Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares,” and Fanatics put his No. 23 Sixers jersey on sale, with the initial supply selling out within hours.