LeBron James has made his “last decision” and will end off his legendary career as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 41-year-old James announced Friday that he is signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the team, joining a talented Sixers core that already included Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Jaylen Brown.
“I still truly love this game, and I have more to give,” he wrote in a statement on social media after the deal had been announced.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
News of the deal has set the sports world alight, sparking reaction from athletes, celebrities, and politicians after James confirmed Philadelphia as the site of his final act.
Eagles’ Barkley Welcomes LeBron to Philly
Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley was among the first to welcome the four-time NBA MVP to the City of Brotherly Love.
Barkley also included an invite to hit the links together in his message after James picked up golfing as his off-season hobby.
‘Y’all Thought I Was Finished?’
James took to Instagram after news of the announcement broke and posted a hype video recapping some of the many highlights over his storied career to Philadelphia native Meek Mill’s hit song Dreams and Nightmares.
The video ends with a 76ers logo, the last one James will wear before he hangs them up.
Pennsylvania Governor Announces ‘LeBron James Day’
July 24th will be known as “LeBron James Day” going forward, at least in the state of Pennsylvania.
State Governor Josh Shapiro has proclaimed the date of James’ signing as it’s own day “in recognition of his record-breaking career, unparalleled athletic achievements, generous philanthropic work, and bright future in Philadelphia.”
Brown Ready to Roll
The start of the 2026-27 NBA season can’t come soon enough for 76ers star Jaylen Brown.
Brown was traded to Philly from the Boston Celtics earlier in the offseason, and will now team up with James after a busy yet successful offseason for the Sixers.
Lewenberg Recalls LeBronto
TSN’s Josh Lewenberg points out that James will return to the Eastern Conference for the first time since eliminating the Toronto Raptors from the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.
The third playoff defeat, a four-game sweep in the second round of the 2018 playoffs, prompted the team to trade for Kawhi Leonard - leading to an NBA Championship just one year later.
With Toronto’s 2026 trade for Leonard currently on hold while the NBA concludes its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers for cap circumvention, the contenders in the East continue to get stronger.
Maxey Fired Up
76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey shared a video of himself celebrating the news while wearing a Klutch Sports Group t-shirt during off-season workouts.
James, who is also represented by Klutch, will now play alongside Maxey in search of his fifth Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Clark’s Failed Pitch
Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark tried her best.
Speaking in a media scrum at the WNBA’s All-Star Weekend, Clark attempted to lure James into signing with the Indiana Pacers before being informed moments later he was heading to Philadelphia.
“No way,” she said. “I just pitched him to the Pacers! It didn’t get to him fast enough.”
