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LeBron James announced Friday that he will join the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
James, 41, is reportedly signing a two-year, $8 million deal and taking a big 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 last 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 make up my mind, but I was pretty sure I was playing my last game. I was honest in the last press conference when I said I had to look at myself and decide if I still love this game,” James wrote on X.
“I still really love this game and I have more to give.”
James called the last few weeks “special” and said he’s never before been able to take so 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 final decision. I’m not after money. I’m not after 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, win and have a chance,” James wrote of the feeling of winning.
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, win and have a chance for 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. I will forever love Miami and Northeast Ohio will always be home!”
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.
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.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
