LeBron James set to sign with Philadelphia 76ers in NBA free agency blockbuster

LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8m deal that includes a player option. Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul confirmed the agreement to ESPN, and James addressed the move in a post on X on Friday morning.

“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.

The move pairs the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and the newly acquired Jaylen Brown as Philadelphia bolster their roster in pursuit of a first NBA championship since 1983. James arrives after spending the past eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The deal gives James the flexibility to become a free agent again after one season while limiting the 76ers’ long-term financial commitment.

“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James said in his post. “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 deicide 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. 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.”

James, 41, is a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP and the league’s all-time leading scorer. The signing will become official once it is completed under NBA rules.

“Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!” James said in his post.

This is a developing story.