$8 million across two years at $4 million per season, per ESPN, is the contract LeBron James has agreed to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers as he enters his 24th NBA season. The total represents a reported major discount from market rate, terms James announced Friday on X after saying at the end of last season that he had likely played his final game. The 76ers are his fourth franchise.
The stated math
The $8 million headline reconciles as two years at $4 million per year. ESPN reported the deal first; the source labels it a "major discount," though no prior salary comparator appears in this report. What the contract covers: a 41-year-old who averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game across 60 Lakers appearances last season, earned an All-Star selection for the 22nd time, and extended his own NBA record in that category.
James's reported 2024-25 production (Los Angeles Lakers)
| Category | Per game |
|---|---|
| Points | 20.9 |
| Assists | 7.2 |
| Rebounds | 6.1 |
| Games played | 60 |
22nd All-Star selection: NBA record.
Philadelphia's offseason additions
The 76ers entered this offseason needing upgrades after being swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jaylen Brown arrived first, acquired from the Boston Celtics in a trade earlier this month. James is the second major addition.
Philadelphia already sits inside a market where the 76ers, Flyers, Eagles, and Phillies each made their most recent respective playoffs. The arrivals drew quick reactions. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley indicated on social media that a round of golf with James was already on the agenda, crossing sport lines before training camps open.
James's stated reason for reversing what looked like retirement, posted to X: he had believed he was done and had "likely played his final game," but "I still truly love this game, and I have more to give." The 76ers committed $8 million across two seasons to that premise.