PHILADELPHIA, United States — LeBron James has begun a new chapter in his historic NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, hoping to capture his fifth championship at age 41 and help the franchise secure its first league title since 1983.
James began his 24th NBA campaign with Philadelphia after announcing his move to the team in July, making clear that his primary objective was to pursue another championship.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer announced in June that he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers. On July 24, he revealed his decision to join Philadelphia, which subsequently confirmed that he had signed a two-year contract reportedly worth $8 million.
A four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, James has won four championships during his career: two with the Miami Heat, one with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and another with the Lakers.
A championship with Philadelphia would make him the first player in NBA history to win titles with four different franchises, adding another milestone to his decorated career.
James, who turns 42 in December, will join forces with former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe as the 76ers pursue a championship. The other players are also seeking their first NBA titles.
James said his teammates must be willing to make sacrifices and prioritize winning over individual statistics and early playoff exits if the team hopes to become a legitimate championship contender.
He also hopes to help Embiid, his teammate on the United States’ gold-medal-winning 2024 Olympic team, win his first NBA championship.
James recorded 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in his preseason debut for Philadelphia, which lost 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets.
The 76ers will look to combine James’ experience and championship pedigree with their existing talent as they attempt to return to the top of the NBA.
