LeBron James said he came closer than many realized to ending his legendary career before deciding on one final chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer announced Friday that he will sign with Philadelphia. He also revealed he believed his playing days had ended when last season concluded. The decision followed weeks of reflection with family and close advisors.
James described the offseason as one of the most emotional periods of his career. For the first time in decades, basketball was not the automatic answer.
“I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game,” James wrote. “I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
The 41-year-old enters his 24th NBA season. That extends a career already filled with milestones. James owns four championships, four MVP awards, and countless postseason records.
A Decision Bigger Than Basketball
James said the break from competition gave him rare clarity.
“The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out,” he wrote.
He then explained what ultimately guided his choice.
“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?”
James answered that question himself.
“I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
Those comments offered insight into a process that remained private throughout free agency. Speculation surrounded several potential destinations. James ultimately chose a franchise seeking its first NBA title since 1983.
Philadelphia Presents One Final Opportunity
James believes the 76ers offer the right combination of talent and championship potential.
“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,” he wrote.
He also thanked the cities that shaped his career.
“Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”
Philadelphia enters the season with championship expectations. James joins a roster led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. The veteran forward accepted a team-friendly contract, signaling his priorities extend beyond financial gain.
The move also closes the book on James’ eight-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers. During that span, he captured the 2020 NBA championship and continued adding to a résumé many consider among basketball’s greatest.
His latest announcement also appears to answer another lingering question. James referred to Philadelphia as his “last decision,” suggesting this could be the final franchise of his remarkable career.
Whether the season ends with another championship remains uncertain. James made one point unmistakably clear.
Retirement nearly happened this summer. Instead, one more pursuit of an NBA title awaits in Philadelphia.