The Philadelphia 76ers have officially confirmed the signing of LeBron James, signaling a monumental shift for the franchise.
The announcement was underscored by a striking image: James’ blue No. 23 jersey, complete with a crown resting on the shelf above it – a clear nod to his iconic “King” nickname – hanging prominently in a locker.
The 76ers also posted a message on X that read: “A city fit for a king. Welcome to Philly, @KingJames.”
The two-year deal, valued at the veteran’s minimum of $8 million, was finalized on Monday, officially making the four-time NBA MVP a Sixer. This move follows James’ revelation on social media last Friday that he had strongly considered retirement, calling his decision to join Philadelphia his “last decision.”
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organization,” stated team president Mike Gansey.
James, the NBA’s career scoring leader, expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter.
“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,” he said. His dedication was evident even before the official announcement, with James posting workout videos on his Instagram story Monday morning, captioned: “It’s that time again. 4:12 AM. Let’s get it.”
The four-time NBA champion had previously indicated he was “done” after his 23rd NBA season, his last with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he reversed course to join a Sixers team already boasting All-Star starters Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. Despite this talent, the franchise has not won an NBA championship since 1983, nor advanced past the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs since 2001.
James, who will turn 42 in December, appears ready to tackle the challenge of transforming the Sixers into champions, much as he did when he ended Cleveland’s 56-year championship drought by leading the Cavaliers to the title in 2016.
Team owner Josh Harris echoed this sentiment, saying, “I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly.” Last season, the Sixers finished 45-37, ultimately being swept in the second round by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
James’ resume is unparalleled in NBA history, featuring 22 All-Star selections, 21 All-NBA honors, four MVP awards, four NBA Finals MVP titles, and three All-Star Game MVP awards, in addition to being a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game last season, with career averages of 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists across more than 1,600 games. His career has seen him win titles with Miami (two), Cleveland (one), and the Lakers (one), making him the first player in NBA history to be named an NBA Finals MVP with three different franchises.
The move also marks a reunion for James with Mike Gansey, who was appointed Sixers president in late May. Gansey, who joined the Cavaliers in 2011 and served as their general manager since 2022, shares a history with James dating back more than two decades as Ohio basketball stars. Gansey was runner-up to James for Ohio’s Mr. Basketball award in 2001.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he’s produced at every stop of his basketball journey,” Gansey remarked. “He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor and a tireless worker. But he is also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him.”
