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The City of Brotherly Love has its newest star.
LeBron James announced on social media Friday that he will join the Philadelphia 76ers for his unprecedented 24th NBA season.
The move now makes the Sixers a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference and gives the city an extra boost to what is already filled with four solid sports teams, as the 76ers, Flyers, Eagles and Phillies all made the playoffs in their last respective seasons.
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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics watch during a game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on December 25, 2023. (NBAE via Getty Images)
When James announced his “final decision,” several of his new teammates didn’t even bother to contain their excitement.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley already wants to make plans for the links as well.
James, 41, is reportedly signing a two-year, $8 million deal and taking a big discount to join the 76ers, ESPN first reported.
James announced his decision in a post on X, saying he thought he was done at the end of last season and that he had likely played his last game. But “I still really love this game and I have more to give.”
A photo of LeBron James speaking onstage during The Shop Live panel at Fanatics Fest at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)
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The 76ers will be the fourth team James has played for in his illustrious career. For Philadelphia, James is the second big 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.
Former Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James takes a shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)
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While James may not be the force he once was, he is still a productive player entering 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 and was named an All-Star for the 22nd time, extending his NBA record.
