LeBron James joins 76ers, vows to bring title to Philadelphia

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Started 29D · Updated 25D

LeBron James officially began his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, making clear that his goal is nothing less than an NBA championship. The 41-year-old, entering his record 24th season, signed a two-year, $8 million veteran minimum contract after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in July.

James did not mince words about his ambitions. "No dejé a mi familia para perder en la segunda ronda," he said, a phrase echoed by multiple outlets. He stressed that building team chemistry will take time and require sacrifice. "Si quieres lograr algo excepcional, llevará tiempo," he explained, adding that the team must be willing to do "cosas que no son agradables" to avoid being remembered as a talented squad that fell short.

The decision process

James revealed that his free-agency choice came down to five teams: the 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. He also disclosed that he had envisioned finishing his career with the New York Knicks, but their championship win in June changed his mind. "Después de que vencieron a los San Antonio Spurs, pensé: 'Oye, no puedo'. No podía hacerlo," he told ESPN.

The new-look Sixers

James joins a star-studded lineup featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and newly acquired Jaylen Brown. He highlighted his relationship with Maxey as a key factor in his decision, noting that he had extensive conversations with the young guard about the franchise's direction and how James would fit. James also praised Embiid's offseason work, saying, "Veo que ha trabajado mucho en su cuerpo, su juego y su mentalidad este verano."

James, a four-time champion, aims to bring his experience to a franchise that hasn't won a title since 1983. "El lujo de mi juego es que puedo hacerlo todo," he declared.

Illustrative. Not a photograph of this event.

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