LeBron James Joins Philadelphia
LeBron James Joins Philadelphia 76ers on Two-Year Deal for Championship Run
Anonymous
LeBron James left the Lakers to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal for the 2026–27 season, citing his relationship with Tyrese Maxey and the chance to pursue a championship alongside Philadelphia’s stars, including Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown. At media day, the 41-year-old said he is focused on the present, does not want another second-round exit and expects the roster to need time to build chemistry; he is entering his 24th season. His arrival has boosted ticket and merchandise demand, with ticket platforms reporting Philadelphia at the top of the NBA in sales and sharp increases in ticket prices and searches for Sixers games. The team announced a multiyear Bloom Energy jersey-patch deal reportedly worth more than $30 million annually, including a seven-figure investment in Greater Philadelphia communities. A consulting firm forecasts that James’ first full season could generate $250 million to $430 million in regional economic activity as the 76ers seek their first NBA championship since 1983.
Key Points
1
Miami was among the teams pursuing James before he chose Philadelphia. The Heat later added Giannis Antetokounmpo and signed Klay Thompson to a two-year deal worth about $11.5 million, leading Heat writer Ira Winderman to argue Miami had little reason to regret its pursuit.
2
James said he thought he had played his last game after the Lakers were swept by Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semifinals, but he has not said that his two-year Sixers contract will be his final one. The deal includes a player option.
3
Joining Philadelphia meant a historic pay cut for James: he earned $52.6 million in his final Lakers season before signing a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers.
4
Rajon Rondo helped connect James and Maxey: after playing with Maxey in 2020, Rondo praised the young guard to James, who was then his Lakers teammate.
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