LeBron James, 41, has announced his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that fulfills a long-held wish of current Sixers big man Joel Embiid. The star player's decision came after weeks of speculation, with his agent, Rich Paul, confirming a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option.

Embiid's desire to play with James dates back to July 1, 2014, when he tweeted a direct invitation to James to join the Sixers. Although James ultimately returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers that year, Embiid continued to reference the missed opportunity years later, expressing his belief that they "almost got LeBron 2 years ago."

Now, in 2026, Embiid will finally get his chance to team up with the four-time MVP. The article also notes the influence James has had on younger players like Sixers guard VJ Edgecombe, who cited James as a childhood inspiration. James himself hinted at his move by using the phrase "trust the process," a mantra closely associated with the 76ers' rebuilding efforts.