What happened: James signed a two-year, $8 million contract after a free-agency process without team meetings. He will enter his 24th NBA season after strongly considering retirement.
Why it matters: Philadelphia has not won an NBA championship since 1983 or advanced beyond the second round since 2001. The option gives James control over his status for the contract's second season.
By the numbers: James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2025-26. The 22-time All-Star is the NBA's career scoring leader.
What to watch: Training camp will offer the first look at James' role in Philadelphia's rotation for 2026-27.