LeBron James Calls Move to 76ers His "Last Decision" — Signs With Philadelphia to Chase One More Title

LeBron James, the 41-year-old NBA legend and the league's all-time leading scorer, announced Friday that he will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending weeks of speculation about where he will finish a Hall of Fame career that began in Cleveland and included championship runs in Miami and Los Angeles.

LeBron's Announcement

In a series of posts on X, James — who spent the past eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers — described this move as his final choice. He wrote that he briefly thought he was done after the season but ultimately decided he still loves the game and has more to give.

"I thought I was done when the season ended... I still truly love this game, and I have more to give. 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."

He added: "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 be home!"

LeBron James during Cavaliers game in 2016.(Greg Nelson via Getty Images)

How He Revealed It

James also posted an Instagram video compiling career highlights set to Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares," ending on the 76ers logo as Mill sings, "Y'all thought I was finished?" The approach — social posts and a highlight reel — was a sharp contrast to his 2010 ESPN special "The Decision," which sparked heavy backlash despite raising money for charity.

Career Context

LeBron was drafted out of nearby Akron, Ohio, and played his first seven NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After four seasons in Miami — where he won back-to-back titles — he returned to Cleveland in 2014 and delivered the city its first NBA championship in 2016. In 2018 he signed a four-year, $154 million deal with the Lakers, winning a title in Los Angeles in 2020. His new move to Philadelphia adds another chapter to a career that has reshaped the modern NBA.

Why This Matters

At 41 and still productive, LeBron's decision to join the 76ers is significant both on and off the court: it affects championship odds, roster construction, and the NBA's balance of power. Calling it his "last decision" frames this signing as the closing act of a storied, still-evolving career.

Bottom Line

LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers and says this will be his final team decision. He frames the move as motivated by competition and the pursuit of another championship, not money or convenience, and he unveiled the news with social-media posts and a highlight montage rather than a televised special.