LeBron James has announced that he will join the Philadelphia 76ers next season, signing what he says will be the final contract of his NBA career.
The 41-year-old, who holds the record as the NBA's all-time leading scorer, left the Los Angeles Lakers last month after an eight-year spell with the franchise.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat were all reportedly in contention to sign the four-time NBA champion.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I'm incredibly excited to energize a new fanbase and begin this final chapter of my career," James wrote on X.
Earlier this week, James' former team, the Miami Heat, accidentally published a link to an "introductory press conference" featuring the veteran forward.
A Heat spokesperson told Reuters that the video was posted in error by staff who had been preparing for the possibility of James returning to the franchise, where he won two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013.
Before and after his time in Miami, James enjoyed two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that selected him first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft and is based near his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
"Miami, I'll always have love for you, and Northeast Ohio will forever be home," James added.
