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LeBron James takes massive paycut for final title push
SEN • July 25th, 2026 1:41 pm
After eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has confirmed where he’ll be taking his talents to for the upcoming NBA season.
On Saturday morning (AEST), it was reported that the 41-year-old will join the Philadelphia 76ers.
The four-time NBA MVP has agreed to a two-year deal with a player option worth $8 million ($11.4 million AUD), seeing him join former MVP Joel Embiid, former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
Should he exercise that option, that would take him through to his 25th season in the association.
This contract is a massive reduction from what he was previously earning with the Lakers, having earned $52.6 million ($74.4 million AUD) in his final season with the famed franchise.
Speaking on his decision on X, James admitted that he thought he was finished after exiting in the second round of the playoffs in the previous season.
“I thought I was done when the season ended,” the four-time NBA Champion said.
“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 decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.
“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 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.”
This will mark the fourth franchise he has played for in his illustrious career, having previously suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers across two stints, the Miami Heat and the Lakers.
He has achieved a championship with each franchise he’s played for and will hope that he can break the 76ers’ 43-year title drought.
The NBA is yet to announce when its season will get underway.
