76ers Make LeBron James Signing Official With Crown and No. 23 Jersey/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ The Philadelphia 76ers officially announced LeBron James’ two-year, $8 million contract with an image of his No. 23 jersey beneath a crown. James joins a veteran roster featuring Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey after considering retirement. The four-time NBA champion said he believes he can help Philadelphia end a championship drought dating to 1983.
Quick Look
- James officially signed a two-year contract worth $8 million.
- The deal is for the veteran’s minimum.
- Philadelphia displayed his No. 23 jersey with a crown.
- James called the move his “last decision.”
- He considered retiring after his 23rd NBA season.
- The 41-year-old turns 42 in December.
- James joins Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
- Philadelphia has not won an NBA championship since 1983.
- The Sixers have not passed the playoff second round since 2001.
- James is the NBA’s career scoring leader and a four-time MVP.
Deep Look
Sixers Officially Welcome “King” James
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers officially welcomed LeBron James on Monday with an image designed around his “King James” nickname.
The photograph showed James’ blue No. 23 jersey hanging inside a locker with a crown placed on the shelf above it.
Philadelphia and James confirmed that his two-year contract was complete. The veteran-minimum agreement is worth $8 million in total.
“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 organization,” team president Mike Gansey said.
James Calls Move His “Last Decision”
James first revealed Friday that he had chosen Philadelphia.
The NBA’s career scoring leader described the move as his “last decision” and said it followed serious consideration of retirement.
“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,” James said.
James had written that he was “done” after completing his 23rd NBA season and confirmed that it would be his final year with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He ultimately changed course and joined a Philadelphia team built to contend immediately.
Early-Morning Workouts Signal Preparation
James posted workout videos throughout the weekend and again Monday morning.
“It’s that time again. 4:12 AM. Let’s get it,” he wrote on his Instagram story.
The posts signaled that James had begun preparing for what will be his 24th NBA season.
He turns 42 in December but remains one of the league’s most productive players.
James Joins Star-Heavy Philadelphia Lineup
The 76ers’ roster includes All-Stars Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey, along with VJ Edgecombe and other established contributors.
“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,” team owner Josh Harris said.
The Sixers finished last season with a 45-37 record.
Philadelphia reached the second round of the playoffs but was swept by the New York Knicks, who went on to win the NBA championship.
Sixers Pursue First Championship Since 1983
The franchise has not won an NBA title since 1983.
Philadelphia has also failed to advance beyond the Eastern Conference playoff semifinals since 2001.
James previously helped end a lengthy championship drought in Cleveland. He led the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA title, delivering the city its first major professional sports championship in 52 years and the franchise’s first title.
The 76ers hope his experience, leadership and postseason record can produce a similar result in Philadelphia.
James Remains Productive in His 40s
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game last season.
Across more than 1,600 career games, he has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
His career accomplishments include 22 All-Star selections, 21 All-NBA honors and four regular-season Most Valuable Player awards.
James has also won four NBA championships, four Finals MVP awards and three All-Star Game MVP awards. He was selected for the league’s 75th anniversary team.
Championships With Three Franchises
James began his professional career with Cleveland in 2003 after entering the NBA directly from high school.
He played seven seasons with the Cavaliers before joining the Miami Heat, where he won his first two championships.
James returned to Cleveland for four seasons and led the Cavaliers to the 2016 title. He signed with the Lakers in 2018 and won another championship in 2020.
He became the first player in league history to earn NBA Finals MVP honors with three different franchises.
A Philadelphia championship would make James the first player to win NBA titles with four teams.
Reunion With Mike Gansey
James’ arrival reunites him with Gansey, whom Philadelphia hired in late May after dismissing Daryl Morey.
Gansey joined Cleveland’s organization in 2011 and served as the Cavaliers’ general manager beginning in 2022.
His connection with James began when both were prominent high school basketball players in Ohio.
Gansey, playing for Olmsted Falls High School, finished second to James for Ohio’s Mr. Basketball award in 2001. James won the honor three times at St. Vincent–St. Mary before entering the NBA.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he’s produced at every stop of his basketball journey,” Gansey said.
“He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor and a tireless worker. But he is also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him.”
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