Beloved superstar LeBron James signed a two-year deal worth $8 million with the Philadelphia 76ers. Many Los Angeles Lakers fans are upset to see a fan-favorite leave, yet his legacy will remain.
Early Career
Before his professional career, James started his basketball days at St. Vincent – St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. During his secondary school career, James led his team to three Ohio state titles.
After graduating high school, James continued his basketball career being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. James was selected first overall. Even though James did not attend college, he has previously stated that his team of choice would be the Ohio State Buckeyes.
James’ Time in Cleveland
James’ tenure with the Cavaliers can be split into two eras: The First Stint (2003-2010) and The Return (2014-2018).
The St. Vincent – St. Mary leader showed up in his first game against the Sacramento Kings, where he dropped 25 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Ultimately, he was named 2003-2004 NBA Rookie of the Year.
In Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals, James scored the last 25 points to claim victory over the Detroit Pistons in double overtime. He totaled 48 points, which led the Cavs to their first ever NBA Finals appearance.
In 2009 & 2010, James was named Regular Season MVP after leading Cleveland to a historic franchise record of 66-16.
When James returned to Cleveland in 2014, he led the team to four consecutive Finals runs (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). Not only did he win the 2016 Finals, but he was also unanimously voted as the Finals MVP. Additionally, in Game 7 of the same series, he recorded a triple-double by dropping 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
James’ Stint with the Miami Heat
In between his two eras with the Cavaliers, James played for the Miami Heat from 2010-2014. James displayed his dominance in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons by winning two consecutive championships, and earning the titles of Regular Season and Finals MVP in both runs.
James’ Time with the Los Angeles Lakers
Prior to his signing with the 76ers, James spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. After arriving in Southern California, James created lots of positive change in the organization.
James’ ultimate milestone with the Lakers takes place during the 2020 NBA Finals, where he secured a ring in extraordinary circumstances. After defeating his former team, the Miami Heat, in six games, he received his fourth Finals MVP award.
On February 7th, 2023, James became the NBA All-Time Leading Scorer when he surpassed the former record of 38,387 points. Further, James continued to shape his reputation when he became the first and only player to break the 40,000 point threshold on March 2nd, 2024.
In October 2024, LeBron James and Bronny James made NBA history becoming the first father-son duo to play together. Bronny still competes for the Los Angeles Lakers, yet it was rumored that Bronny could have been sent to Philly alongside his father.
James’ Future
Having played in the NBA for 24 seasons, James’ time in the league is coming to a close. In a post on X, James shares, “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 decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give…I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind.”
James signed a veteran-minimum deal with the 76ers on July 26th, 2026. The contract entails a second-year player option and a 15 percent trade kicker. In the same post, James looks to his future in Philadelphia, “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.”
