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LeBron James has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers through his 24th and 25th seasons
Even when LeBron James isn’t making tangible statistical history, he’s making intangible “aura” history. According to reports, 27 of the 30 NBA teams had discussions about signing the future Hall of Famer. LeBron James is 41 years old.
In his statement announcing his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James claimed that at the end of the 2025/26 season, he genuinely thought his iconic NBA career was over. After giving himself time to weigh the decision, though, he decided that he still wants to play basketball at its highest level.
“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,” James’ statement said in part.
“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.”
LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul said he had conversations with 27 of the 30 teams in the NBA about signing the future Hall of Famer
Despite being 41 years old and actively sitting on the fence of retirement, James’ longtime friend and agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN‘s Dave McMeniman that he had conversations with 27 teams about signing LeBron. That represents 90% of the teams in the league.
The final five came down to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Sixers, with the four-time NBA champion ultimately choosing the latter.
“There were surprising suitors along the way. The Boston Celtics, James’ consistent nemesis through the years, expressed interest, sources told ESPN. The LA Clippers even discussed a lucrative one-season contract north of $20 million that would allow him to stay at his Brentwood, California, home, sources said.” [via ESPN]
James, who will turn 42 in December, signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Sixers — the veteran’s minimum — which would see him play in the NBA for 25 seasons, until he’s 43 years old.
While LeBron’s greatness is certainly far from underappreciated, its context remains mind-blowing when visualized. In his 23rd season in the NBA, at 40 years old, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game across 60 games (33.2 minutes per contest).
To put that number in perspective, in his final NBA season, Michael Jordan, then 39 years old, averaged 20 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, while playing in all 82 regular-season games and averaging 37 minutes per contest.
A key differentiator, however, is that Jordan’s final season was his 15th in the NBA compared to LeBron’s 23. Jordan played in 1,251 total games (regular and postseason), while James has played in 1,924 total games (and counting), signaling a greater longevity despite the similar ages.
It’s been said for a decade now — perhaps longer — but make sure to appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime athlete while you still have a chance.