LeBron James signs with Philadelphia
LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 27 after ending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old forward joined Philadelphia on a reported two-year, $8 million contract.
James enters his 24th NBA season alongside Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe. Philadelphia added him after a 45-37 season that ended with a second-round playoff loss to New York.
LeBron James ends eight Lakers seasons
James informed the Lakers on June 30 that he would play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season. He left after eight years in Los Angeles, where he helped win the 2020 NBA championship.
During his final Lakers season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games. His Los Angeles tenure ended with one championship and several major career milestones.
Tyrese Maxey’s call mattered to James
Tyrese Maxey called James soon after the Lakers learned he would not return. Maxey directly encouraged him to join Philadelphia, making their longstanding friendship an important part of the free-agent decision.
James avoided many calls during free agency because he did not want outside pressure to shape his choice. He answered Maxey because their relationship had already developed well before Philadelphia became an option.
Tyrese Maxey knew James before NBA
James knew Maxey before the guard entered the NBA. Maxey visited his home at age 19 and played video games with James’ sons, Bronny and Bryce, during the visit.
Philadelphia selected Maxey with the 21st pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. By 2026, he had become an established All-Star and shared representation with James through Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
Jaylen Brown changed Philadelphia’s appeal
Philadelphia’s trade for Jaylen Brown changed how James viewed the 76ers. James said the team was not initially under serious consideration, but adding the former Finals MVP made Philadelphia more intriguing.
The 76ers acquired Brown from Boston on July 6 for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round selections. Brown averaged a career-high 28.7 points during the 2025-26 regular season.
Joel Embiid became another key reason
Joel Embiid became another major reason for James choosing Philadelphia. James said he wanted to help the former NBA MVP pursue the championship that has remained missing from Embiid’s professional résumé.
Embiid won the 2022-23 NBA MVP award and has earned two scoring titles. Philadelphia selected him third overall in 2014, but the franchise has not advanced beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals during his tenure.
Philadelphia still chases 2001 breakthrough
Philadelphia has not reached the Eastern Conference finals since 2001, when Allen Iverson led the 76ers past Milwaukee in seven games. The Lakers then defeated Philadelphia 4-1 in that season’s NBA Finals.
The 76ers returned to the conference semifinals in 2026 after finishing 45-37. New York swept Philadelphia 4-0, extending the franchise’s wait for another Eastern Conference finals appearance to 25 consecutive seasons.
LeBron James brings four championships
James brings championship experience from every franchise he previously represented. He won two titles with Miami in 2012 and 2013, another with Cleveland in 2016, and his fourth championship with Los Angeles in 2020.
Those four titles also produced four NBA Finals MVP awards. James became the first player in league history to earn Finals MVP honors with three franchises after leading Los Angeles to the 2020 championship.
LeBron James considered retirement
James said he seriously considered retirement after completing his 23rd NBA season. Time with his family and strong offseason workouts convinced him that he still wanted to continue competing during 2026-27.
When James announced Philadelphia as his destination on July 24, he described the move as his last decision. He said he still wanted to compete for another championship rather than end his playing career.
Philadelphia builds a veteran core
Philadelphia’s projected core includes James, Maxey, Embiid, Brown, and VJ Edgecombe. The current roster also features Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Justin Edwards, and several other rotation options entering training camp.
Brown joins Philadelphia after 10 seasons with Boston and a 2024 championship. The five-time All-Star averaged career highs of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists during the 2025-26 regular season.
Fun fact: LeBron James recorded the NBA’s first father-son assist in March 2026, passing to Bronny for a 3-pointer against Brooklyn.
LeBron James enters season at 41
James will begin his first Philadelphia season at age 41 before turning 42 on December 30. He already owns NBA records for career points, All-NBA selections, and All-Star selections entering 2026-27.
Philadelphia announced James with 43,440 career points, 21 All-NBA selections, and 22 All-Star selections. Those totals reflect the longevity behind a career that will reach a record 24th NBA season.
LeBron James still challenges Father Time
James said competing against Father Time remains part of his motivation. He described the challenge as a basketball competition and said he remains interested in seeing how long he can keep playing.
Philadelphia is trying to move beyond repeated playoff exits. James has reached the NBA Finals 10 times in his career, giving the 76ers postseason experience from a veteran who has already won 4 championships.
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Clark predicts that overseas WNBA games next year offer added context on how her influence may extend beyond domestic competition as the league considers broader international opportunities.
Philadelphia enters a changed East
The Eastern Conference changed considerably during the 2026 offseason. Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee, while Toronto reacquired Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in a September 14 trade.
Philadelphia also reshaped its roster by adding Brown, James, Simons, and other veterans. James said his relationship with Maxey and desire to help Embiid were central reasons for choosing the 76ers.
How has Caitlin Clark learned to fight back against physical WNBA defense? Her response shows how quicker reads and stronger positioning can change how defenders approach her.
Was Tyrese Maxey’s relationship with LeBron James the biggest reason Philadelphia won him over, or did Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown matter more? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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