LeBron James joins 76ers as Philly athletes welcome NBA superstar

The City of Brotherly Love has its newest star.

LeBron James announced on social media Friday that he would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers for his unprecedented 24th NBA season.

The move now makes the Sixers a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference and is giving the city an additional boost to what already is filled with four solid sports teams, as the 76ers, Flyers, Eagles, and Phillies all made the playoffs in their most recent respective seasons.

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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics look on during a game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Dec. 25, 2023. (NBAE via Getty Images)

When James announced his “last decision,” several of his new teammates did not even bother to contain their excitement.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley already wants to make plans on the links, as well.

James, 41, is reportedly signing a two-year, $8 million deal, taking a major discount, to join the 76ers, ESPN first reported.

James announced his decision in a post on X where he said he thought he was done at the end of last season and that he had likely played his final game. However, “I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”

A view of LeBron James speaking onstage during The Shop Live panel at Fanatics Fest at Jacob Javits Center in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)

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The 76ers will be the fourth team James has played for in his illustrious career. For Philadelphia, James is the second major star to join the team this offseason, as they acquired Jaylen Brown in a stunning trade with the Boston Celtics earlier this month.

Last season, the 76ers were swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and they hope the additions of James and Brown can propel them to a championship.

Former Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James takes a spill vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)

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While James may not be the force he once was, he still remains a productive player going into his 24th season. In 60 games with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game and was named an All-Star for the 22nd time, extending his NBA record.

Fox News’ Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.