Warriors reportedly denied $285M deal that would have secured 76ers superstar LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Golden State Warriors were one of the most aggressive teams pursuing LeBron James during his free agency process. James is entering his 24th NBA season, yet he was pursued like a young star entering his prime.
Instead, the 41-year-old veteran is nearing the end of his legendary career. The Warriors wanted to pair Stephen Curry and James together for the final years of their careers, and at one point, Golden State was even considered one of the favorites to land him.
"I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn't Golden State or Cleveland," a Western Conference executive told FOS' Alex Schiffer.
The Warriors were right in the middle of the race for the four-time NBA champion but ultimately fell short. James decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, and a major factor in that decision was believed to be Philadelphia's acquisition of former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

#james #golden #lebron #source

LeBron James is returning to one of his most beloved roles on the court after signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.
For the first time in his NBA career, LeBron James will don the jersey of the Philadelphia 76ers as the 41-year-old signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the organization.
However, many are skeptical of how the 76ers will actually compete with so many ball-dominant players on the same roster.
After all, the 76ers already had Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey on the team before adding James to the mix.
Photo by Ian Maddox for The Washington Post via Getty Images

#many

LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo might have joined the New York Knicks this summer if the 2026 NBA Finals hadn't ended the way they did.
The Knicks have returned to the NBA's mountaintop after an arduous 53-year journey, where the franchise went from being called one of the worst in the NBA to now proving they're the best.
If the 2025-26 season didn't end in New York's favor, the summer of 2026 might have seen them make major additions to take the final step towards a championship.
Sam Quinn pointed out that both James and Antetokounmpo had to settle for their No. 2 choices, with LeBron heading to the 76ers and Giannis heading to the Heat.
"The two most famous players that moved this offseason, LeBron and Giannis, both wanted to be Knicks and are now playing for their backup teams because the Knicks won the ***** le."

#might

There have been valid questions about LeBron James' fit with the Philadelphia 76ers, as the team is stacked with Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and even VJ Edgecombe, whom he'll share the ball with this upcoming season.
However, long-time NBA ***** yst Skip Bayless strongly believes that James could be what the doctor ordered for the 76ers, given the 41-year-old's credentials and overall fitness.
"People around the NBA questioning LeBron's fit in Philly? HE'S A PERFECT FIT. They needed a pure PG, an orchestrator, and that's what LeBron does best. Tyrese has averaged 6 ***** ists last 3 years. LBJ will average 11ish and lead league in ***** ists," Bayless posted on X.
MORE: LeBron James works out with Tyrese Maxey after 76ers move
To Bayless' point, ESPN's Shams Charania recently reported that the 76ers are planning to play James at point guard. When he last did it in one full season in 2019-20, the four-time league MVP averaged 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 10.2 ***** ists, and 1.2 steals on 49.3 percent shooting from the field across 67 regular-season games.

#james #lebron #season

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are good friends and played alongside each other for four NBA seasons with the Miami Heat. Their partnership helped established the retired guard as one of the best players in franchise history. While many may think that the superstar forward is his favorite teammate, he instead revealed that it's Udonis Haslem
The three-time champion was Candace Parker's guest on her "Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston" podcast on Monday. He explained that Haslem always had his back on the court.
MORE: Dwyane Wade weighs in on NBA GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James
"It's always gonna be Udonis Haslem," Wade said. "Anybody that is going to protect you on the basketball floor, that's going to be your favorite teammate. Because I used to pop my s*** a little bit and I didn't know if I really wanted to fight.
"After we fake tough guys, we ain't grow up fighting. We was hooping. So UD always came to my defense. So that's always going to be my favorite team. I love you, boy."

#wade #haslem #going

The Philadelphia 76ers announced Monday that the team has signed four-time NBA champion LeBron James - a move that has meant big business for small shops across the Delaware Valley.
Monkey's Uncle Retro Philly Tee Shirts in Doylestown has been pressing LeBron-themed shirts since the news first broke on Friday.
"I'm not going to lie, I was shocked," said Derrick Morgan, co-owner of Monkey's Uncle. "As soon as that decision came out, it was a whirlwind."
READ MORE | LeBron James to continue wearing No. 23 as Philadelphia 76er, team announces
The excitement of LeBron James coming to Philadelphia is already showing up in ticket prices.

#james #shirts #team #Delaware

Stephen A. Smith had Shaquille O'Neal on his show to talk about Dunkman, the alternative league to bring back a spectacle that the All-Star Game has lost touch with. So he took the chance to take aim at LeBron James for causing it. While acknowledging James' legendary status as he enters his 24th NBA season, Smith firmly laid the blame on the superstar forward for single-handedly destroying the prestige of the NBA All-Star Weekend's Slam Dunk Contest.
Smith argued that prior generations of icons set an expectation to entertain the fans on Saturday night, a culture he believes James dismantled by refusing to participate.
"Listen, I gave a lot of respect. And I've said this on many occasions, LeBron, when it's all said and done, we pay tribute to him and his greatness that spans more than 23 years, 24 years coming up, etc., etc.," Smith declared. "But the one thing I've religiously held against him is his unwillingness to compete in All-Star weekend because, to me, all the stars always did it.
"Kobe [Bryant] included, Vince Carter included, everybody. They all did it until he refused to enter the dunk contest. And then after that, every other stars followed and they wouldn't compete. Am I wrong about that?"
He probably expected Shaquille O'Neal, who never participated in the Dunk Contest himself, to agree. But Shaq offered a minor defense for James.

#james #shaquille #lebron

LeBron James' newest goal could help him make NBA history with the Philadelphia 76ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Across the 23 years he has played in the NBA, LeBron James has set and shattered plenty of historical records. He has earned accolades for being the youngest to do so and the oldest to do so. It is a tremendous testament to his impressive longevity and unmatched talent.
Now that he is entering his 24th season, James has taken on a new challenge, and that is playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. This is a huge test for James because his intention is to win a championship with Philly, a team that has not won the championship since 1983, a year before he was even born.
As one of the league's greatest-ever players, LeBron is a phenomenon. He always finds ways to make a winning impact for his team, which he has done for every team he has played for. He had two championships with the Miami Heat, one with his Cleveland Cavaliers, and one with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Only four players in NBA history have won championships with NBA teams, which are Robert Horry, John Salley, LeBron, and his former teammate, Danny Green. With this move to Philly, James is ready to make history yet again.

#lebron #philadelphia

The Golden State Warriors have been linked to the biggest names in basketball for years now ... and the only star-level players they've been able to pair with Stephen Curry of late are Kristaps Porzingis and Jimmy Butler.
Both Porzingis' and Butler's Golden State have been injury-riddled, and now that LeBron James opted against a move to the Bay Area, the Warriors' blockbuster options are running thin.
After missing out on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown on the trade market, could the Warriors be eying a deal for a key member of the Utah Jazz's young core?
Bleacher Report believes it's possible.
Andy Bailey put together a package Golden State could offer Utah for former All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, and while the Jazz shouldn't make any major moves this summer, the offer is ... intriguing.

#porzingis

The saga is over; LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Not the Miami Heat.
It's only notable now because, well, remember when the Heat set their introductory press conference with James on their YouTube channel last week? It was clearly an accident, and now that James joined the 76ers rather than the Heat, it's also become obvious that this wasn't some inadvertent early reveal.
So, how did this happen? What took place with that Heat staffer who made the mistake?
Usually, the Heat, as an organization, have things ***** oned up. Rarely are there leaks. So when they somehow published a future introductory press conference for James, eyebrows were raised.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, a member of the Heat had been scheduled to take a vacation and was simply trying to "get ahead" of their work just in case James chose to return to South Beach. Yet, James' camp found the whole story entertaining.

#james #lebron #Miami

United States President Donald Trump has hit out at LeBron James when asked whether he or Michael Jordan is the best NBA player in history.
"Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy," Trump said.
"I think LeBron is, maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump. I don't know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way."
Trump did not elaborate why he used the word "racist" on LeBron, who said on Friday that he will play for the Philadelphia 76ers next season, which will be his 24th in the NBA.
James, 41, is a four-time NBA champion, NBA and NBA finals Most Valuable Player.

#lebron

In case one lives under a rock, the Philadelphia 76ers landed LeBron James in free agency. The future Hall of Famer, 41, is set to enter his 24th season in the league, but he is still one of the game's best after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 ****** ists, and 6.1 rebounds in the 2025-26 season. His presence immediately transforms the Sixers in so many ways.
Let's just start with his versatility. James can play all five positions on the floor and can still stuff a box score no matter where he's placed in terms of his position and whoever is on the floor with him. The way James can just grab a rebound and immediately take it the other way and start a transition opportunity is going to be important for this group to take advantage of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe for easy buckets.
Another thing that stands out is when Joel Embiid inevitably has to miss games. The presence of James makes it easy at the center spot now. James can now slide to the 5 in some lineups to replace Embiid as he can help Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti fill the void. James will be able to play that spot and continue to play at a high level as there will be plenty of nights when he will have the mismatch, even at this stage of his career.
Shooting will be somewhat of an issue as it isn't like James lights it up from 3-point range, and Embiid isn't a knockdown shooter, but Maxey, Edgecombe, and, at times, Jaylen Brown can pick up the slack from there. The Sixers should still be able to have enough ****** ing with the lineup thanks to those three and they should be able to find efficiency and a groove with those lineups.
James is the ultimate player to have on the floor as he is the Queen piece on the chessboard. Coach Nick Nurse and his staff will have plenty of ways to use him on the floor and in different lineup combinations. There will be times he's bringing the ball up, or playing off the ball on the wing, as well as playing up front, and he will be effective in every spot. Truly. There isn't anything James can't do in this game, even when considering where he's at in his career.

#floor #isn 't #sixers #maxey

Good morning, BBN!
It finally happened: LeBron James has decided where he wants to play next, and he's pairing up with former Wildcats Tyrese Maxey and Justin Edwards with the Philadelphia 76ers.
If you're a LeBron fan, like me, you have to be on cloud 9.
If you're not, but you're a Kentucky fan, you should still be very excited. The last time LeBron teamed up with a former Cat, it resulted in a championship. LeBron and AD were unstoppable when they first teamed up with the Los Angeles Lakers; I wish we could've seen them healthier together.
Nonetheless, it looks like this will be LeBron's last stop before retirement, and what better way to finish it than with Maxey, Edwards, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid.

#former #last #james

Though Barkley did mention that James has provided himself advantages with "stacking the deck" throughout his career when joining talented teams. "The number one knock on LeBron for older guys like myself has always been, 'Yo, man, you always stacking your team,'" Barkley said. "He stacked in Miami. He stacked in Cleveland. He stacked in LA. Now he's stacking it in Philly. So that to me, I'm going to still have the same criticism I've always had."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "The number one knock on LeBron for older guys like …

#barkley #knock #guys #like

Chris Haynes: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Memphis Grizzlies are negotiating a buyout and the veteran 3-&-D specialist intends to team back up with LeBron James and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell me.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope negotiating Grizzlies buyout to join Sixers

#chris

Barkley told Stephen A. Smith on Friday that if the 76ers win two ***** les in LeBron James' two years in Philadelphia — that's if he opts in to the second — after agreeing to a contract Friday, it would solidify his GOAT case. "If he wins back-to-back championships and walks away this thing at 44, 45. I'll say something I ain't never said before. This dude, I think I just saw the greatest basketball player ever," Barkley told Smith.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Charles Barkley would name LeBron James the GOAT if he wins two ***** les with Sixers

#barkley

According to at least three sources, everything changed in Philadelphia when first-year president of basketball operations Mike Gansey pulled off the bombshell acquisition of Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, from the Boston Celtics for George and four future picks — two firsts and two seconds — on July 1, after LeBron James had already announced his decision to leave the Lakers. Before that trade, the 76ers, internally, considered themselves longshots for James. Afterward, though, they were all in. "Now, we've got a pretty interesting roster," said a team source with knowledge of the franchise's pursuit of James, who was speaking after the Brown trade but before James picked Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "Now, we've got a pretty interesting roster," said a …

#philadelphia #brown #we 've #according

On Friday, the basketball world was sent into a frenzy with the news that NBA free agent LeBron James was signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Among the greatest players in NBA history, James' reported signing is one that immediately put the spotlight on the Sixers' projected 2026-27 roster. On that roster is a name familiar to Alabama basketball fans in Labaron Philon Jr., a former Crimson Tide guard whom Philadelphia recently selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft.
Set to enter his rookie season this upcoming fall, Philon will now look to make an impact for a Philadelphia team that is likely to be among the preseason favorites to win a NBA ****** le this upcoming season. However, just how big of an impact could that be, and did Philadelphia's reported signing of James change that in any way?
Prior to the Sixers' signing of James, Philon projected as Philadelphia's backup point guard, and that role will likely not change following Friday's reported news. Philon will be the backup to starter Tyrese Maxey.
However, what does remain a question is just how much minutes Philon sees a game, as the former Alabama star is set to join a loaded Sixers backcourt. Not only is Philon behind Maxey, a two-time All-Star and 25+ points per game scorer, on the depth chart, but Philadelphia also has VJ Edgecombe and Anfernee Simons, though both are likely to see a majority of action at the two-guard.

#james #sixers #likely

LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers has led some soccer fans to make a concerning comparison.
LeBron James waited until the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to announce his next NBA team, as he chose the Philadelphia 76ers for the final chapter of his career.
James will join the 76ers, who already have Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Jaylen Brown on the roster.
On paper, the roster looks insane, but some fans are still skeptical of the chemistry between James and his new teammates.
Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

#lebron #uefa #roster

LeBron James is set to join the Philadelphia 76ers following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The news broke on Friday as fans across the world waited eagerly on James' decision.
James will be looking to help the 76ers win their first ring since 1983 as he inks a two-year deal in Philadelphia.
At the age of 41, James has already played 23 years in the NBA, but remains hungry for more despite the riches he has secured over his career.
Despite being the global superstar that he is, James' proposed contract with the 76ers will be significantly lower than what he's been earning in years gone by.

#philadelphia #years #join

The Philadelphia 76ers have been trusting the process since drafting Joel Embiid with the third overall pick during the 2014 NBA Draft.
Unfortunately, for one reason or another, the Philadelphia 76ers are yet to win an NBA Championship during the Joel Embiid era.
However, this could change during the 2026-27 NBA season as the 76ers have one of the strongest starting fives in the league after the addition of LeBron James.
Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP via Getty Images
James recently signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers. The contract has a player option in the second year.

#embiid

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 07: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of the 2025-2026 Emirates NBA Cup game at FedExForum on November 07, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Marc Gasol #14 ; LeBron James #23 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers while paying the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a three point basket during the second quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 6, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. **** /Getty Images)
On Friday night, Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime reported the news that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Memphis Grizzlies are working on a buyout.
He would then join the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent.

#memphis

LeBron James certainly took his time when it came to choosing his next NBA team in free agency after the Los Angeles Lakers were informed on June 30 that he wouldn't be staying with them. On Friday, July 23, he finally decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option on the second year.
There was some speculation about why he was prolonging the process and taking so long. Now that he's walking into what has to be the most stacked roster he has ever joined, fans have had a wide range of reactions, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
Some Lakers fans felt that if James came back on a veteran minimum contract, he would be a perfect fit for an L.A. squad that lacks a starting-level forward. This fan feels the superstar simply didn't believe in the roster L.A. now has.
In response, this fan feels James is creating a built-in excuse in the event the 76ers don't win the NBA championship this coming season.
These fans feel James' decision is typical of his moves over the years to join frontrunning teams. Philly traded for five-time All-Star wing and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown a few weeks ago, and it will now have what many will likely consider a superteam with Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey alongside James.

#roster

LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers has woken up every Philly celebrity.
When LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers, many reported that whichever team he joins next will also factor in his love for golf.
Well, Philadelphia has some of the best golf courses in the world, and it was apparently enough to woo James to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Speaking of James' move to the 76ers, many star athletes have already shared their reactions to it, and this includes Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley.

#philly

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope won his first ring next to LeBron James, now he is headed to Philadelphia to try and do it again.
Caldwell-Pope and the Grizzlies are working out a buyout, and once the veteran wing clears waivers, he intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes.
KCP moving on from Memphis is not a surprise. He was brought in while the team still had Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. and was looking to win. With the Grizzlies pivoting to a youth movement — plus they are dealing with a roster crunch — it makes sense to buy out KCP, who is set to make $ 21.6 million this season. (KCP likely gives the Grizzlies a discount of exactly how much he can sign with the 76ers for.)
Caldwell-Pope was a key part of the Lakers' **** le run in the bubble, and three years later became a starter for the Denver team that won a **** le behind Nikola Jokic.
However, the past couple of seasons his game has slipped. Last season in Memphis, he averaged just 8.4 points a game and shot 31.6% from 3-point range. He was out from February on after having surgery to adjust a misaligned pinky finger on his right hand.

#philadelphia #sign #title

LeBron James gets compared to Cristiano Ronaldo after joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo are undoubtedly freaks of nature as they continue to play their respective sports, despite being 41 years old.
While Ronaldo has joined a less competitive league, the same cannot be said for James, as he recently joined one of the best teams in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images for CR7 Play It Cool
Popular journalist and Ronaldo superfan Piers Morgan recently reacted to the news of James joining Philly. Morgan shared a message of support for King on Instagram.

#ronaldo #cristiano #morgan #joined

LeBron,
Now that you've officially taken your talents to Philadelphia—your fourth stop, your "last decision," your two-year, $8-million victory lap—Laker fans across the globe can finally exhale.
The eight-year experiment is over. And we have a confession to make: from Watts to Westwood, we never wanted you.
Let's be honest about what you were. You were a mercenary, not a Laker. A hired gun who wore purple and gold but never bled it.
Fred Roggin said it best: "He wore a Laker uniform, but he wasn't a Laker. I always felt that way. I think with LeBron, it's about LeBron." Byron Scott, a man who actually earned his place in Lakers lore, agreed—you're "not a true Laker."

#laker #westwood

LeBron James' announcement that he is coming to Philadelphia drew enthusiastic reactions from across the sports world, including players, coaches and local athletes, even as the 76ers organization has not yet publicly commented on the news.
Among those reacting were future teammates Tyrese Maxey, newly acquired guard Jaylen Brown and shooting guard VJ Edgecomb.
IMAGE: Tyrese Maxey reacts to news that Lebron James is coming to Philly.
Philadelphia basketball icon and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley also welcomed James to the city and offered to help him get settled.
"We got the king! Welcome to Philly, Bron. Let me know if you need any spots," Staley said.

#lebron #coming #guard #jaylen

LeBron James is on the Philadelphia 76ers. That's going to take some time getting used to typing out. The 41-year-old made his long-awaited free agency announcement on Friday morning. The last big domino fell in this summer's NBA offseason. He signed a two-year, $8 million contract.
Spending over three weeks to make his decision, James picked the one NBA team that most probably spent the least amount of time talking about. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat dominated most of the discourse, but they finished just short of landing the 22-time NBA All-Star.
So let me check my notes. We have James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the same team? Wow. Two former MVP winners, an NBA Finals MVP and a 30-point scorer. That's some star-studded stuff that rivals your typical All-NBA team. Talk about a summer for Philadelphia — who flipped Paul George for those two.
The Sixers have catapulted their way to the top of the leaderboard in the East. But what does James' decision mean for the Oklahoma City Thunder? Probably not a lot. At least not until next June at the earliest.
This has been one of the NBA's most blockbuster summers. It's the type of frantic movement that Shams Charania teased for last year. Of the two conferences, the East has seen the most shake-up. The New York Knicks are the reigning NBA champions. In response, the Miami Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo. Brown went from the Boston Celtics to the Sixers. Now, James joins him in Philadelphia.

#Miami #brown #east

Donald Trump offered his take on LeBron James' blockbuster move to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday after a reporter asked the president to weigh in on the perennial debate over whether James or Michael Jordan is the NBA's greatest player.
"Well, Michael Jordan is a guy who is a friend of mine, play golf with him. He's a really good guy," Trump said during a Friday press conference in the Oval Office, before pivoting to a bizarre aside about James.

"And I think LeBron is, maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump, I don't know. But I only like people that like me," the president added. "So, I would say Michael Jordan all the way."
You can watch the moment in the clip below:
James was in the news Friday after he announced that he had chosen to join the Philadelphia 76ers following his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons.
"I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game," James wrote in a Friday X post. "I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give."

#game #lebron #philadelphia