CAMDEN, N.J. — Could LeBron James’ contract with the Philadelphia 76ers be an inkling that retirement is forthcoming for the NBA superstar?
James slightly deflected that question at media day on Monday at the 76ers training facility when asked about the structure of his two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, and whether he’s looking at it as his last stop.
Instead, the four-time NBA champion said he is approaching his 24th season in the NBA, and his first back in the Eastern Conference in nearly a decade, by being in the “present.”
LEBRON: What NBA superstar said at 76ers Media Day: Live updates, highlights
“I’m just looking at it every single day on how I can be the best version of myself for this franchise while I’m here. I can’t speak into the future right now. I think that would be doing a disservice to myself, just living in the moment, especially knowing that I am where I am in my career,” James said.
James chose the 76ers over the reported interest of the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The 76ers become the fourth franchise James will play for, marking the first time he will play in a new uniform since the start of the 2018-19 season.
In joining the 76ers, who were swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs last season, James will be teamed up with his close friend Tyrese Maxey, who served as a “major factor” in his decision to return to the East Coast.
After announcing his free-agent signing with the 76ers, James posted on social media that it was his “last decision” and that he wasn’t “going for money.”
The NBA All-Time Leading Scorer noted on Monday that while he’ll not have a Year 24 season again next season, he will see “what happens” regarding a 25th season.
“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,” James said. “… I just like being in the moment, and we’ll see what happens.”
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.
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LeBron James answers a question during an interview session with reporters during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Sept. 24, 2018 during his first season with the team.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James goes up for a dunk in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on Oct. 27, 2019.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after a dunk by guard Danny Green during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on Nov. 17, 2019.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James takes center court to speak to fans before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Jan. 31, 2020.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures to a referee after a foul call during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on Feb. 21, 2020
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LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers in a Black Lives Matter Shirt kneel with their teammates during the national anthem prior to the game against the LA Clippers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on July 30, 2020.
(Pool photo by Mike Ehrmann via Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) holds up four fingers after winning his fourth NBA championship after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena on Oct. 11, 2020.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts after receiving 2020 NBA Championship ring before a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Dec. 22, 2020.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James lands on fans sitting court side as he dives after a ball in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 24, 2023
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Former Los Angeles Lakers player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hands the game ball to forward LeBron James (6) after James becomes the NBA all time scoring leader against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 7, 2023.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) with forward Anthony Davis (3) during a stoppage in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2023.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 27, 2023.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) in the NBA In Season Tournament Semifinal at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 7, 2023.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up on the court prior to he start of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Jan. 30, 2024.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James prepares for the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Mar. 31, 2024.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) scores a basket against the Miami Heat as center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots past Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at American Airlines Center on April 9, 2025.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter at Kia Center on Mar. 21, 2026.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after dunking the ball against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter at Kia Center on Mar. 21, 2026.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on April 5, 2026.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does LeBron James see 76ers as final stop? NBA star weighs in on retirement
