The only reason LeBron James joined the 76ers is that the team's current strength is the strongest since 2001.

LeBron James recently inked a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers to start his unprecedented 24th season, marking a new chapter in his legendary NBA journey. The contract spans two years and carries a total value of $8 million, the minimum salary allowed for a player with his experience.

A source close to James, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the 41-year-old made this decision for only one reason:which is his belief that the 76ers offer him the best chance to win his fifth championship compared to any other suitor.

Philadelphia unexpectedly acquired All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown via a trade with Boston, making the already appealing prospect even more enticing for the 76ers. James will now play alongside Jaylen Brown, former MVP Joel Embiid, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, a Rookie of the Year candidate, and championship coach Nick Nurse.

James informed his agent, Rich Paul, on Friday morning, asking him to relay the decision to the 76ers, and then made a public announcement shortly after. Before Friday morning, no one in James's inner circle knew his choice, and other suitors—Cleveland, Miami, Golden State, and Minnesota—were not immediately notified by Paul.

A person close to James stated that the delay in his free-agent decision had nothing to do with attention or drama. James was not waiting for the Golden State Warriors or any other team to trade for Anthony Davis, nor was he waiting for the Dallas Mavericks to somehow make Kyrie Irving available on the market.

"It's all about winning a championship," the source said. "Moreover, he has been fortunate to play for three great fan bases in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles, and he is looking forward to playing in front of the passionate fans in Philadelphia."

Sources say that Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid had been persistently recruiting James over the past few weeks, making multiple phone calls to try to persuade him.

This move brings one of the greatest players in league history to the 76ers, even though James is in the final stages of his career. Last season, he adapted to a secondary role alongside Luka Dončić, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, then led the injury-riddled Lakers to the second round of the playoffs. James shot 51.5% from the field and extended his streak of averaging at least 20 points per game for all 23 seasons of his career.

After the Lakers' season ended, James said: "We obviously fell short, but I wouldn't call my year a disappointment, I'm absolutely sure about that. I was put in positions I've never played in my career... I've never been a third option in my life."

James's decision ends an era—the Lakers' resurgence after several rough seasons in the 2010s—while opening a new chapter for a player who has reshaped expectations of NBA career longevity over more than two decades.

According to league sources, James chose the 76ers for only one reason: he believes he can win a championship in Philadelphia. When James officially informed the Lakers of his intention to become an unrestricted free agent, he asked himself a question:"At this stage of my career, where can I win my fifth NBA championship?"

In the end, the answer became Philadelphia. James knows this could be his final stop. He also knows that his basketball happiness—considered the main factor in his choice—is synonymous with winning at a high level. Therefore, based on that factor, the Philadelphia 76ers became the place of basketball happiness.

The 76ers now, at least on paper, have the best roster and the best championship opportunity since Allen Iverson's MVP season in 2001.

James will be the starting point guard most of the time, but can also play power forward. Since Maxey can play off the ball, James's playmaking becomes important for the 76ers. With Maxey, Brown, and Embiid, James can fit in without shouldering a heavy offensive load.

During this process, the 76ers were not considered a major threat by some other teams.

One executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "James in Philadelphia is probably the fourth option."

James has long been interested in Philadelphia. A former Lakers teammate recalled that James told him he had seriously considered joining the 76ers before choosing Los Angeles as an unrestricted free agent in 2018.

Everything changed in Philadelphia when first-year President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey pulled off a stunning trade with the Celtics, sending Paul George and four future draft picks (two first-round and two second-round) to acquire 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. This opened the door for Philadelphia to pursue James.

Before that trade, the 76ers internally believed their chances of signing James were slim. But after it, they went all out to pursue him.

The efforts paid off, and James officially became a Philadelphia 76ers player. And we, too, have become fans of the 76ers.