LeBron James has agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers. The four-time NBA champion signed a two year contract worth approximately $8 million, using the veteran minimum exception. The deal includes a player option for the second year.
James made the announcement on Friday. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, confirmed the details. James previously informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would play for a different team in the 2026-27 season.
The 76ers roster already includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and recent addition Jaylen Brown. James will join that group in the Eastern Conference. He becomes the latest veteran to link with the Philadelphia core.
James spent the previous eight seasons with the Lakers. He helped the team win the 2020 NBA championship. At age 41, he enters free agency as an unrestricted free agent after opting to leave Los Angeles.
The contract structure allows the 76ers to add James without exceeding salary cap limits in a major way. Reports indicate the focus of his decision remained on Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia in recent weeks before he selected the 76ers.
James will report for training camp later this year. The 76ers open the regular season schedule in October. This move pairs one of the league’s most experienced players with Philadelphia’s established stars.
The signing ends a period of free agency speculation that began after James notified the Lakers of his plans. Official paperwork is expected to be finalized in the coming days.