LeBron James announced Friday that he will sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 41-year-old leaves the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons to join a team that recently acquired Jaylen Brown.
James stated on social media that he considered retirement after last season but decided to pursue one more championship. "I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship," he wrote. He described the move as his final decision and said he believes he can help the 76ers become a title team.
The 76ers acquired Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics for Paul George and draft picks earlier in the offseason. James will join Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the starting lineup. The team improved its NBA title odds to +1000 at FanDuel following the signing.
James turned down offers or interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. The contract represents the lowest salary of his career and includes a player option for a potential 25th season.
