LeBron James begins new chapter with 76ers, eyes fifth NBA championship at 41

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 19, 2026

Photo courtesy: NBA

MANILA, Philippines — At 41 years old, basketball superstar LeBron James is preparing to make NBA history once again as he begins his 24th season with the Philadelphia 76ers, pursuing a fifth championship with a new team.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will enter the 2026–2027 season wearing a Philadelphia uniform after ending his eight-season stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James officially joined the 76ers in July 2026, bringing four NBA championships and more than two decades of experience to a franchise seeking its first league title since 1983.

His move was confirmed by the 76ers on July 27, following his announcement that he wanted another opportunity to compete for an NBA championship before concluding his playing career.

LeBron begins record-breaking 24th NBA season

James is set to become the first player in NBA history to compete in 24 seasons when Philadelphia opens its regular-season campaign against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 20 (Wednesday, October 21, Philippine time).

The season opener will take place at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will begin their title defense after winning the 2026 NBA championship.

For James, the game will mark another milestone in a professional career that began in 2003, when he entered the NBA as the first overall draft pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player has won championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cavaliers in 2016, and the Lakers in 2020.

A fifth championship would add to a career that already includes the NBA’s all-time scoring record and numerous individual honors.

James teams up with Embiid and Maxey

In Philadelphia, James joins a roster featuring former NBA MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.

The team also includes Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe, giving the veteran forward a new group of teammates as he pursues another championship.

James previously explained that his relationship with Maxey and admiration for Embiid influenced his decision to join Philadelphia.

The 41-year-old said he wanted to help Embiid pursue his first NBA championship while contributing his own experience to the team’s campaign.

According to an Associated Press report published by the NBA, James signed a two-year, $8-million agreement with the 76ers in July.

Philadelphia did not publicly disclose the financial terms when it formally announced the signing.

One more championship remains the goal

James made his intentions clear when announcing his move to Philadelphia, expressing confidence that he could contribute to the team’s championship ambitions.

He also described the decision as the beginning of another opportunity to compete at the highest level after considering retirement.

Philadelphia’s most recent NBA championship came in 1983, when the team was led by Moses Malone and Julius Erving.

The franchise is seeking to return to the top of the league after more than four decades without a championship.

James, meanwhile, has already appeared in 10 NBA Finals and won four titles across three franchises.

Winning another championship with Philadelphia would make him the first player to capture NBA titles with four different teams.

Age and health remain factors entering new season

As James prepares for another demanding campaign, Philadelphia is taking precautions in managing his playing time and physical condition.

The veteran forward dealt with chronic arthritis in his left foot during preseason preparations, while 76ers head coach Nick Nurse indicated that the team would carefully manage his workload.

James participated in preseason games earlier this month, including Philadelphia’s October 16 matchup against the Boston Celtics.

Despite entering his 24th season, the four-time champion remains focused on contributing to his new team’s campaign.

The 76ers will begin their regular season against the Knicks on October 20, marking James’ first official regular-season appearance for Philadelphia if he takes the court.