LeBron James signs with 76ers; Philadelphia price set to test a $52.6M Lakers salary

2026-09-28

LeBron James has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers and is set to speak publicly for the first time since the signing at NBA Media Day.

The session offers the first word from James on his fit in Philadelphia and the season ahead. No length, salary or guarantees for the contract were included with the announcement.

The move takes James off the Los Angeles Lakers, where his most recent salary was $52.627 million.

Last season he was paid like the 12th player in the league and produced like the 69th, a WAGE Score of 32 in the Under Water tier, per WAGE.

Luka Garza of the Boston Celtics produced like the 71st player last season on $2.5 million, nearly the same output for a fraction of the pay.

The Philadelphia figure, once disclosed, sets the bar for the new season. A salary near the Lakers number would ask for production well above the 69th-best in the league.