The Philadelphia 76ers have officially confirmed the signing of LeBron James, finalizing one of the NBA’s major changes for the 2026–27 season. After informing the Lakers that he intended to play for another team in 2026–27, James announced his move to Philadelphia on social media on July 24, and the team formalized the signing on July 27.
Key changes
With this signing, James becomes the first player in NBA history to play a 24th season after completing 23 seasons. He will play the new season in Philadelphia, changing his affiliation from the Lakers.
LeBron James’ move to Philadelphia and his 24th NBA season have been officially confirmed.
Current status
The 76ers announced the signing but did not disclose the contract terms. The Associated Press reported that the deal is worth $8 million over two years, roughly at the veteran minimum. This amount should therefore be distinguished as information reported by the AP, not as a confirmed term in the team’s official announcement.
The NBA’s official roster lists James alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe among Philadelphia’s projected starters for the 2026–27 season. However, the roster may change before the season begins.
James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game for the Lakers during the 2025–26 season.
Impact
The clearest impact of the move is that James will change teams and play on a different stage next season. Readers can confirm from Philadelphia’s official roster that James, Embiid, and others are included in the projected starting lineup. However, these materials alone cannot establish the team’s championship prospects, chemistry among the players, or James’ specific role.
Next checkpoint
According to the NBA’s official schedule, James’ Philadelphia debut is scheduled for October 20, 2026, in a season-opening road game against the New York Knicks. His actual availability and any roster changes before opening night should be checked again as the game and the start of the season approach.
Source check
- [Philadelphia 76ers official announcement](https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/philadelphia-76ers-sign-4x-nba-champion-and-22x-all-star-lebron-james) · Checked September 2, 2026
- [NBA official report: LeBron James headed to Philadelphia](https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-free-agency-sixers-2026) · Checked September 2, 2026
- [Philadelphia 76ers official roster](https://www.nba.com/sixers/76ers-players/lebron-james) · Checked September 2, 2026
- [AP report: Move to Philadelphia and contract value](https://apnews.com/article/lebron-james-76ers-1db738a3a8c29aab2be24b1bc8082ae9) · Checked September 2, 2026
- [NBA official schedule article: Key games of LeBron James’ 24th season](https://www.nba.com/news/10-games-to-watch-lebron-james-24th-season) · Checked September 2, 2026
- [NBA official report: Plan to leave the Lakers](https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-free-agency-2026) · Checked September 2, 2026