NBA legend LeBron James has dismissed retirement talk and is preparing for what could be the final chapter of his career after joining the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option for the following season.
The 41-year-old has won four NBA championships during his career, claiming two with Miami, one with Cleveland and one with the Los Angeles Lakers.
A championship with Philadelphia would make the 76ers the fourth team to win an NBA title with James on their roster.
“I’m not going to speak to the future right now; I’d be doing myself a disservice,” James said at the Sixers’ media day.
“I’m just living in the moment, especially knowing where I am in my career.
“Me trying to focus on what my future looks like, I wouldn’t be giving myself grace. I’m more in the present now, understanding that I’m in year 24… I just like being in the moment, and we’ll see what happens.”
James also made it clear that winning is his priority after moving to Philadelphia.
“I didn’t leave my family (in Los Angeles) to lose in the second round,” said James, who will turn 42 in December. “I know that for sure. Work needs to be done and I’m ready to get to work.”
The 76ers reached the second round of the playoffs last season before being swept by the eventual champions, the New York Knicks.
James said he understands the attention that will come with his arrival in Philadelphia.
“Understand that the noise is going to be the noise,” James said. “What happens outside of this building is going to consistently happen, and it’s going to be doubled and triple and quadrupled down on you. It just comes with the territory. I understand it.”
He also believes his experience can help his new teammates.
“I hope that I can bring that experience, bring that knowledge, bring the blueprint to the guys that’s trying to accomplish some things that they haven’t done in their career,” James said.
“I’ve seen everything that this league has to offer on the floor and off the floor, so I hope that every single day with my approach to the game, approach to the work, that it can translate to every single guy.”
James enters his 24th NBA season as the league’s all-time leading scorer, with four NBA championships, four MVP awards and four Finals MVPs. He is also a 22-time All-Star and 21-time All-NBA selection. Across more than 1,600 career games, James has averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.
