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5 sources·Started 4d ago·Updated 2d ago
LeBron James joins 76ers for record-extending 24th NBA season
LeBron JamesPhiladelphia 76ersLos Angeles LakersOklahoma City ThunderSan Antonio SpursNew York KnicksJoel EmbiidAdam Silver
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LeBron James announced Friday he will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending weeks of speculation about his next destination. The 41-year-old four-time NBA champion will begin his record-extending 24th season in October, saying on social media that this is his "last decision" and that he still wants to compete, work, and win Source: CNA, ESPN via Al Jazeera, CNN. The Lakers, his home for eight years, saw James leave after a second-round playoff sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder Source: CNN.
The Decision
James described his move as a chance to "energize a new fan base" and help make the 76ers a championship team Source: Al Jazeera. Contract terms were not immediately disclosed, though reports vary: ESPN reports a $8 million, two-year deal, while the Los Angeles Times says he is expected to accept the $3.9 million veterans minimum exception Source: Al Jazeera, L.A. Times. James reportedly informed the Lakers of his departure on June 30 Source: L.A. Times.
Impact on the 76ers
Philadelphia adds James to an already star-studded lineup that includes guards Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe, forward Jaylen Brown, and center Joel Embiid Source: L.A. Times. The 76ers have not won an NBA title since 1983 and have not advanced past the second round since 2001 Source: Al Jazeera.
Championship Odds
Betting markets reacted immediately. The 76ers moved into the top tier of title contenders, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and defending champion New York Knicks Source: AP News. AP reports that "James' decision moved Philadelphia into the upper tier of favorites — but not the highest tier," with the Thunder and Spurs still slight favorites Source: AP News.
League Impact
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that the league delayed finalizing the schedule pending James' decision, as his team will heavily influence opening week and Christmas Day matchups Source: L.A. Times. James' move also adds to a recent trend of "unprecedented NBA parity," with eight different champions in the last eight years Source: AP News.
Story timeline · 3 earlier headlines
- LeBron James signs with Philadelphia 76ers for 24th NBA season3d ago · 2 sources
- LeBron James Joins Philadelphia 76ers for Record 24th NBA Season2d ago · 4 sources
- LeBron James Chooses Philadelphia 76ers for 24th NBA Season2d ago · 4 sources
- LeBron James joins 76ers for record-extending 24th NBA seasoncurrent
Sources
7 quotesCNA↗
“LeBron James announced on Friday his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers for his record-extending 24th NBA season.”
Al Jazeera↗
“James is set to sign a modest $8m, two-year contract with the Sixers, according to ESPN.”
Los Angeles Times↗
“Contract terms were not immediately disclosed, although it has been widely reported that James would accept the $3.9 million veterans minimum exception.”
AP News↗
“James' decision moved Philadelphia into the upper tier of favorites — but not the highest tier.”
CNN↗
“However, James was never able to bring the Lakers back to that championship level after that 2020 season.”
Los Angeles Times↗
“Last week NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the regular-season schedule had not been set because the league is waiting on James.”
Al Jazeera↗
“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.”