The Philadelphia 76ers have officially completed the signing of NBA legend LeBron James after announcing the veteran’s arrival on Monday.
The franchise confirmed the move with a photo of James’ No. 23 jersey hanging in his new locker, complete with a crown on the shelf in recognition of his “King James” nickname, after finalising a two-year deal worth $8 million in total.
James revealed last week that he had chosen Philadelphia after seriously considering retirement, describing the decision as the final move of his illustrious career.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energise a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James said after announcing the move.
The 41-year-old also signalled his determination to make an immediate impact by posting early morning workout videos on social media on Monday with the caption: “It’s that time again. 4:12 AM. Let’s get it.”
76ers hail The King
Team president Mike Gansey hailed the arrival of one of basketball’s greatest-ever players.
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organisation,” Gansey said.
The 76ers have not won an NBA title since 1983 and have failed to progress beyond the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs since 2001.
Last season they finished 45-37 before being swept by the eventual champion New York Knicks in the conference semi-finals.
James joins an All-Star core featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, with the Sixers hoping his experience and leadership can transform them into genuine title contenders.
Team owner Josh Harris welcomed the signing, saying: “I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly.”
James still a top performer at 42
Despite approaching his 42nd birthday in December, James remains one of the NBA’s elite performers.
He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game last season, while his career averages stand at 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists across more than 1,600 appearances.
His achievements include four NBA championships, four MVP awards, four NBA Finals MVP honours, 22 All-Star selections and 21 All-NBA team appearances. He also became the first player in league history to win NBA Finals MVP awards with three different franchises.
James began his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 before winning two championships with the Miami Heat.
He returned to Cleveland to deliver the franchise’s first NBA title in 2016, famously ending the city’s 56-year wait for a major professional sports championship, before adding another championship with the Lakers in 2020.
