We waited, and we waited some more, but on Friday, we finally got our answer.
After eight seasons with the Lakers, free agent LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, it’s a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option.
The 41-year-old James will now team with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe to form probably the best starting lineup in the NBA next season.
As he enters Year 24, the 22-time All-Star wrote on social media that this is his “last decision.”
“I thought I was done when the season ended,” James 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.
“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 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 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 be home!”
Whether this is James’ last NBA season has yet to be determined, but if his goal is to win an NBA title, Philadelphia does give him the best shot. Cleveland, Golden State, and Miami, who were said to be in running for James, have talent. However, James, who is a four-time NBA champion, does not put those teams over the top. However, on paper, he puts the 76ers over the top.
The 76ers have not won a championship since 1983, and if James can win a championship in Philly, he would become a legend in another city.
With the addition of Brown, it was championship or bust in Philly, and now with the addition of James, it’s even more so championship or bust.
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