What happened: James officially signed with Philadelphia after 23 NBA seasons. The 41-year-old is set to play his 24th season in 2026-27.
Why it matters: The veteran-minimum structure limits the cost of adding an experienced scorer and playmaker. His workload and role will shape how much value Philadelphia extracts during a playoff push.
By the numbers: James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds across 60 games in 2025-26. He is a 22-time All-Star and four-time MVP.
What to watch: Training camp will offer the first look at his position, minutes and responsibilities in Philadelphia's rotation.