LeBron James stunned the NBA by choosing the Philadelphia 76ers for what he called the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career.
LeBron James is going to the Philadelphia 76ers.
James has chosen Philadelphia because he believes the 76ers give him one last legitimate chance to compete for another NBA championship before ending one of basketball’s greatest careers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, James has agreed to a two-year veteran minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers that includes a player option for the second season. The move ends weeks of speculation after the four time NBA MVP declined to return to the Los Angeles Lakers following eight seasons in Southern California.
The announcement came directly from James through a lengthy social media statement, where he explained that retirement was a real possibility after the season ended.
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“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James wrote. “I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game.
“I still truly love this game, and I have more to give. The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.”
James made it clear that money and convenience were not the driving forces behind his decision.
“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for 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, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
He added, “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 L.A. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always (be) home!”
James’ future has dominated NBA headlines since June 30, when he informed the Lakers he would not return. Over the following weeks, nearly every franchise reportedly made its pitch before his list narrowed to the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia ultimately emerged as the surprise winner.
The Sixers already featured rising All Star Tyrese Maxey, whom James has publicly admired and who is also represented by Klutch Sports. Philadelphia’s front office also includes president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, whose relationship with James dates back to their days as Ohio high school basketball standouts. Gansey later worked in Cleveland’s front office during James’ second stint with the Cavaliers.
Philadelphia’s aggressive offseason also appears to have strengthened its championship outlook. The roster now includes Joel Embiid, Rookie of the Year finalist VJ Edgecombe and newly acquired All NBA forward Jaylen Brown following the blockbuster trade that sent Paul George and draft compensation to the Boston Celtics.
For a player who has already rewritten virtually every major record book, James said this decision carries extra weight. By calling it “my last decision,” the 21 time All Star signaled that this final chapter is about chasing one more championship rather than adding another stop to an already legendary résumé.
