LeBron James has made his decision — he is joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
The announcement came Friday via X, where James explained his choice to move to the City of Brotherly Love.
"I thought I was done when the season ended.
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," James wrote.
"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."
James described the past few weeks as special, taking real time to think. "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?" he said.
He added, "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 expressed belief that he can help make the 76ers a championship team and said he is excited to energize a new fan base.
He thanked Los Angeles, Miami, and Northeast Ohio in his post.
The news that James' time with the Los Angeles Lakers was ending broke on June 30, after eight seasons.
His agent Rich Paul informed the organization it was time to move on.
Speculation linked James to the Cavs, Heat, or Warriors, but he chose a complete change of scenery with the 76ers.
At 41, James is entering his 24th season, an NBA record. He became the all-time leading scorer as a Laker and won a title with them in 2020.
He now joins Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and others in Philadelphia.
