76ers add LeBron James, who drew 27% of the Lakers' payroll for 11% of their production
LeBron James has joined the Philadelphia 76ers and was introduced Monday in Camden, New Jersey, with his family remaining out west.
James set the target at the table: "I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round." The 76ers bring him in to reorder a franchise the report describes as mired in mediocrity, and he aims to upend the NBA pecking order.
The money he arrives with bought less than that last season. In 2025-26 James took 27% of the Los Angeles Lakers' payroll and supplied 11% of their production.
He was paid like the 12th player in the league and produced like the 69th, a WAGE Score of 32 and Under Water, per WAGE.
His career WAGE Score of 74 over 15 rated seasons is the legacy side of the bill. To buy more than a second-round exit, Philadelphia needs the production to climb back toward the rank the salary pays for.