What happened: James chose Philadelphia on Day 25 of LeBron Watch ’26, ending his offseason decision. He said he believes he can help build a championship team and energize a new fan base.
Why it matters: Philadelphia has not reached the NBA Finals since 2001, while James has made 10 Finals appearances in that span. A fifth title would make him the first player to win championships with four franchises.
By the numbers: James enters his 24th NBA season as a four-time champion, four-time MVP, 22-time All-Star and 21-time All-NBA selection.
What to watch: Philadelphia must now define James’ role and manage its roster around another championship push.