LeBron James has officially signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, with his decision significantly influenced by his friendship with Tyrese Maxey and his goal of helping Joel Embiid win his first NBA championship. The 41-year-old James made the announcement during his podcast, "Mind the Game," on Friday, after spending the previous eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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James expressed minimal details about his free-agency process but is set to speak to the media for the first time as a member of the 76ers during the team's media day on Monday in Camden, New Jersey, ahead of training camp.
Reflecting on his career, James stated that he felt ready to retire at the end of his 23rd season but changed his mind after spending time with family and feeling strong in offseason workouts. He emphasized his ongoing love for the game, saying, "I think I’m more in love with the pursuit of how much more can I defy the odds."
Initially, James didn’t consider Philadelphia until the team made a surprising move to acquire NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown from Boston. He mentioned that Maxey, who shares an agent with him and has been a close friend and workout partner, was among the first to reach out once he became a free agent.
In discussing Embiid, who has achieved numerous accolades but has yet to secure a championship, James expressed a desire to assist him in that pursuit. "He’s done everything in our league, and the only thing he has not done is win a championship. And I want to try to help him get that first one," James stated, highlighting Embiid's commitment to the franchise since being drafted third overall in 2014.
The 76ers finished last season with a 45-37 record but were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the New York Knicks, the eventual NBA champions.
Throughout his illustrious career, James has been named a 22-time All-Star and has won four NBA championships with three different franchises. He averages 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over his impressive career spanning more than 1,600 games. His eight seasons with the Lakers marked the longest tenure he has had with any team, and he played a pivotal role in securing the team's 17th championship in 2020.
Despite his successful run in Los Angeles, where he noted the challenges of not having a championship parade due to the pandemic, James expressed his desire to redirect his focus to Philadelphia. He reinforced his commitment to helping the 76ers achieve their first title since 1983, questioning the rationale behind retirement when he still felt capable of competing at a high level.