LeBron James has chosen the Philadelphia 76ers for what he says will be the final chapter of his remarkable NBA career, ending weeks of speculation over where the league's all-time leading scorer would play next. The 41-year-old announced that he will join the 76ers next season after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers last month, saying he is ready to take on one last challenge as he chases another championship.
The move brings an end to James' eight-year stay with the Lakers, where he added another NBA title to his long list of achievements. His future had remained one of the biggest talking points in basketball, with several teams linked to the four-time NBA champion before he made his decision.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat had all been mentioned as possible destinations during the race to sign the veteran star.
Confirming the move on X, James shared his excitement about starting a new chapter in Philadelphia.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energise a new fanbase and start this incredible journey one last time," James said on X.
James now joins a fourth NBA team after successful spells with Cleveland, Miami and the Lakers. He has won NBA championships with every franchise he has previously represented, lifting two titles with Miami before returning to Cleveland, where he guided the Cavaliers to their historic NBA championship in 2016. He later joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped the team win another title two years later.
Earlier this week, Miami briefly fuelled rumours of a possible reunion after the club mistakenly published a link to what appeared to be an introductory press conference for James.
A Heat spokesperson told Reuters the video was uploaded by mistake as staff prepared for the possibility of James returning to the team he represented between 2010 and 2014.
Before and after his time in Miami, James enjoyed two separate spells with Cleveland, the team that selected him as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. The Cavaliers are based near his hometown of Akron, Ohio, where his basketball journey began.
Reflecting on his previous teams, James said: "Miami I'll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always [be] home."
James leaves the Lakers as one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He is the league's all-time leading points scorer, has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player four times between 2009 and 2013, and has earned selection to the NBA All-Star Game 22 times.
His move to Philadelphia now opens what he has described as the final contract of his career, with the 76ers hoping the veteran superstar can lead the club to an NBA championship.