LeBron James Pick Six(ers): NBA, Sports World React To Decision
Friday, July 24, 2026 at 03:46PM By Barry Janoff
July 24, 2026: Entering his 24th NBA season, LeBron James waited about 24 days to unveil on July 24 that he would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent.
Calling it his “last decision,” James signed a two year deal (with a one-year player option) for $8 million.
Salary was not among the most important of factors: James earned more than $52.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26 and likely could have earned substantially more than his Sixers deal had he signed with such teams as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat or Golden State Warriors.
“I’m not going for money . . . I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” he posted to social media.
James has expressed his desire to broaden his place in sports team ownership after he retires, having tasted it via his limited investment in Fenway Sports Group, which has among its portfolio the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, RFK Racing and Fenway Park.
James is now aligned with Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, whose ownership includes the Sixers, the NHL New Jersey Devils, the NFL Washington Commanders and the incoming WNBA Philadelphia expansion team (2030).
With Philadelphia, James joins recently signed Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and head coach Nick Nurse.
The NBA can now plan its 2026-27 schedule, which will feature numerous nationally televised Sixers games. Most likely in the mix: Opening Night, Xmas Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Day and match-ups against the Lakers, Cavaliers, Heat and defending champion New York Knicks.
Several versions of James No. 23 Sixers jersey went on sale soon after his decision was made public, with many sold out the first day.
Topps already has a Topps Now card with James in his Sixers jersey, offering a base card tied to the opportunity to snag a limited-edition autographed version.
“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James posted to his social media platform. “ I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game.
“I still truly love this game, and I have more to give. The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.”
According to James, he seems intent on finishing his NBA career with the Sixers. He is seeking his fifth career NBA championship, following two with the Heat and one each with Cleveland and Los Angeles.
The Sixers have not won an NBA championship since 1982-83.
“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 energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro declared July 24, 2026 as LeBron James Day.
“By the power vested in me as the Governor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a die-hard Sixers fan... I hereby proclaim today to be LEBRON JAMES DAY. Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love, @KingJames."
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