According to Shams Charania of ESPN, LeBron James will play point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers next season.
James will start alongside VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid.
“The Sixers, I’m told, are expecting LeBron James to play a good amount of time and period of time at the point guard position, on offense, initiating the game, the offense, for Nick Nurse,” Charania said. “Tyrese Maxey, last season, played a lot on the ball at point guard, and we know his prowess off the ball as a scorer. Think of a better player that can set the table for Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe. There’s all these players that can score, that can get the ball from LeBron James.”
For the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019-20 season, James started at point guard and led the NBA in assists per game (10.2) and total assists (684).
The 76ers signed James to a two-year, $8 million contract. James has a player option for the 2027-28 season.
“I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers. One of the greatest players in NBA history and one of the best athletes ever, his accomplishments are iconic: four-time NBA Champion, four-time NBA MVP, four-time Finals MVP, three-time Olympic Gold medalist, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record 22 All-Star selections, and 21 All-NBA selections,” 76ers managing partner Josh Harris said. “I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly. To LeBron and his family: we are grateful you chose the 76ers, and look forward to this next chapter of your legendary career. Welcome to the 76ers!”
Arguably the best player in NBA history, James appeared in 60 games last season, his 23rd year in the NBA. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.
In the 2026 playoffs against the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder, James put up 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. He’s still an elite performer despite being the oldest active player in the NBA.
James, who has been in the NBA since 2003, is a four-time MVP, four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP. He’s the all-time leader in points, field goals, minutes and games and has made 21 All-NBA teams and 22 All-Star teams.
“There is no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organization,” 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey said. “I have had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he’s produced at every stop of his basketball journey. He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor, and a tireless worker. But he is also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him. We couldn’t be happier that he is officially here and are excited to welcome him, Savannah, and the James family into our 76ers family.”
James, 41, holds career averages of 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game in the regular season and 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game in the playoffs with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. He won the 2012 and 2013 championships with the Heat, the 2016 championship with the Cavaliers and the 2020 championship with the Lakers at the Walt Disney World Bubble.
