LeBron James will join the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026-27 NBA season.

The 41-year-old agreed a two-year, $8 million contract, which includes a player option, after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers following eight seasons.

James had seriously considered retirement after the 2025-26 campaign before deciding he still had “more to give”.

“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,” James wrote on X.

“I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.

“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.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to start this incredible journey one last time.”

James ends saga

James’ move ends weeks of speculation after his agent, Rich Paul, said the four-time NBA champion was prioritising “basketball happiness” over financial considerations.

Philadelphia president of basketball operations Mike Gansey remained in regular contact with Paul throughout the process, while stars Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and new signing Jaylen Brown all played a role in recruiting James.

James will begin a record-breaking 24th NBA season with his fourth franchise, having previously represented the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers.

He helped end Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought in 2016 and now hopes to deliver Philadelphia’s first NBA title since 1983.

The 76ers finished 45-37 last season before suffering a 4-0 second-round playoff defeat to the eventual champion New York Knicks.

James leaves Los Angeles after eight years, during which he won the 2020 NBA championship and formed a successful partnership with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves last season.