LeBron James joining Philadelphia 76ers for record-extending 24th NBA season as all-time leading scorer returns to east coast
Lebron James will play his record-extending 24th season with the Philadelphia 76ers after weeks of speculation about which team he'll join next; the NBA's all-time leading points scorer says he 'still wants to work' and is hungry to win his fifth NBA championship
Friday 24 July 2026 18:51, UK
LeBron James has decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers for his record-extending 24th NBA season, the league's all-time leading scorer said on Friday
The league's all-time leading scorer spent the last eight seasons of his glittering career with the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to a title in 2020 after two separate stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and four years with the Miami Heat.
"This is my last decision," the 41-year-old wrote on X. "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.
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"I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship," James wrote on social media.
"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."
The 41-year-old James, who last March surpassed Robert Parish's record for most career regular-season games played, has continued to perform at an elite level despite his age.
He earned a league-record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection last February during a season in which he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists over 60 games.
James had announced at the end of June that he would be leaving the Lakers, explaining that he hoped he had made the fans and his team-mates proud.
"No, THANK YOU!" James said on social media, responding to a post from the Lakers official account, thanking the 41-year-old for his service.
"Truly an honour to wear the (Lakers colours) while trying to continue the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint."
James is the NBA's oldest active player and will turn 42 in December.
He is due to become the first player in the league's history to play a 24th season, and notably shared a court with his son, Bronny.
More to follow...
