Ankara: LeBron James has signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of his record-extending 24th NBA season. The 41-year-old announced his decision through US social media company X after spending recent weeks contemplating whether to continue his playing career.

According to Anadolu Agency, James expressed his continued passion for basketball in his announcement. "I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game," James wrote. "I still truly love this game, and I have more to give." He emphasized his eagerness to contribute to the Philadelphia 76ers, aiming to transform them into a championship team and energize a new fan base.

The decision, James noted, was not influenced by financial or familial factors but rather marked the final significant move of his career. "I've had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out. This is my last decision," he remarked, reflecting on his motivations at this stage of his career.

James became a free agent this summer after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, where he had played since 2018 and secured the 2020 NBA championship. His illustrious career began when he was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. He spent seven seasons with Cleveland before joining the Miami Heat in 2010, where he won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

Returning to Cleveland in 2014, James led the Cavaliers to their first NBA title in 2016, famously overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. He subsequently joined the Lakers and made history by winning the NBA Finals MVP award with three different teams after the 2020 title.

Now part of the Philadelphia roster, James brings with him an impressive legacy as a four-time NBA champion, four-time league MVP, 22-time All-Star, and the NBA's all-time leading scorer. Additionally, he has achieved three Olympic gold medals with the US national team. Despite averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 60 games last season-his lowest scoring average since his rookie year-James remains a formidable presence on the court.