LeBron James joins Philadelphia 76ers on two-year veteran minimum deal

LeBron James announces Philadelphia move

LeBron James announced via social media he is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, calling it his "last decision" after strongly considering retirement. The 41-year-old forward said he believes he can help make the 76ers "a championship team" and is excited to "energise a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time." James is expected to sign a two-year contract at the veteran minimum worth approximately $8 million, according to ESPN, a significant pay cut from the nearly $53 million he earned last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He had been expected to return to Cleveland or Miami after announcing his departure from the Lakers.

Sixers roster and recent results

The 76ers' projected starting lineup is expected to feature James alongside second-year standout VJ Edgecombe and All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, a five-time All-Star and the league's fourth-leading scorer last season, was acquired from the Boston Celtics in a stunning off-season trade. Philadelphia went 45-37 last season and was swept in the second round of the Eastern Conference play-offs by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks. The franchise has not won an NBA title since 1983 and has not advanced past the second round since 2001.

Teammate and civic reaction

Tyrese Maxey posted an Instagram story of himself celebrating in a gym and yelling "What? What!" while Jaylen Brown wrote "#throwtheballup" on X. Brown used the same phrase in his introductory note to Philadelphia, and it has already been branded on billboards across the city. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro proclaimed Friday as LeBron James Day in the state.

Commercial and media response

James celebrated the announcement on Instagram with a career highlight reel set to Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares," with the video ending on the lyric "Y'all thought I was finished?" before cutting to a 76ers' logo. Sportswear company Fanatics had his number 23 jersey on sale for $125, with delivery not expected until late August, and the offering sold out within hours of the announcement.

Brown University coaching hire

Brown University named Eric Reveno as its Men's Basketball Head Coaching Chair, the school announced.