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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > LeBron James Considered Retirement Before ‘Final Decision’ To Sign With 76ers
Lakers News

LeBron James Considered Retirement Before ‘Final Decision’ To Sign With 76ers

Corey Hansford
Daniel Starkand
Published: 07/24/2026
4 Min Read
LeBron James, Lakers
May 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) before the start of game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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After weeks of thinking things over and weighing the pros and cons of all potential destinations, former Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has finally decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers, agreeing to a two-year, $8 million deal.

The move has the entire NBA world talking and James would take to social media following the announcement, revealing that he actually thought he would retire when the Lakers’ season ended, and adding that this is the final stop of his career:

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. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.

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

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

out. 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?

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

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

another championship.

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.

Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!

🙏🏾🫡👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 24, 2026

James opened up in this post, really breaking down how much he still loves the grind of playing in the NBA and competing for a championship and he feels he can help the 76ers reach that goal. They have certainly taken a major leap with the trade for Jaylen Brown earlier this offseason and now adding James to what many would likely consider the most talented starting lineup in the NBA.

And if this is truly James’ final run, it gives fans everywhere a little more time to appreciate all he has done during his unprecedented career, and he has earned every bit of that appreciation.

Former Laker Kyle Kuzma names LeBron James as one of his most influential teammates

James has played with hundreds players throughout his career and had a major impact on many of them. One of those during his time with the Lakers was Kyle Kuzma, who named James as one of the most influential teammates of his career, along with another former Laker in Rajon Rondo.

If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.

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TAGGED:LeBron JamesLos Angeles LakersPhiladelphia 76ers
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as the managing editor for LakersNation.com, Daniel also serves as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com

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