AnalysisLeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this summer that he would not return for a ninth season with the franchise. Luke Hales / Getty ImagesJuly 24, 2026 Updated 11:48 am EDTLeBron James has found the next stop in his historic NBA career.The league’s all-time leading scorer has agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers, he announced Friday on social media, beginning the record 24th season of a career that has already redefined longevity and greatness.“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 wrote on X.Top 5 LeBron Lakers MomentsTyrese Maxey and many key figures in Philadelphia’s organization doggedly pursued James over the last few weeks. The Sixers became major players in the James sweepstakes when they traded for Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics earlier in the month.James, who will turn 42 in December, informed the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this summer that he would not return to the franchise, ending an eight-year run that included the 2020 NBA championship, a Western Conference finals appearance and countless milestones that include becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.