​After weeks of speculation, four-time MVP LeBron James announced Friday that he is joining the Philadelphia 76ers for his record-extending 24th season in the NBA.James spent the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the organization to the championship in 2020. He reportedly notified the team on June 30 that he intended to move on and play elsewhere for the 2026-27 season.The four-time champion was said to have considered at least four other teams in free agency: The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat. He was significantly swayed to join the Sixers after their acquisition of Jaylen Brown on July 6.James agreed to sign a two-year, $8 million contract, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. His addition catapults the group into being one of the top title contenders next season, with several current Sixers players weighing in on the signing, including rookie Labaron Philon Jr.Labaron Philon Jr. shared LeBron’s reel on IG #Sixerspic.twitter.com/cCNo76xzuR— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) July 24, 2026Philon was the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft after averaging 22 points, five assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 39.9% from 3-point range last season at Alabama. His 725 total points ranked as the third-most in a single season in program history.The 20-year-old debuted with the Sixers in the NBA Summer League, averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 38.2% from the field. He scored 15 or more points in each appearance, including a 24-point effort on July 11.Sixers coach Nick Nurse said earlier this month that Philon would likely begin the season in his rotation as a backup ballhandler behind the likes of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown. The team is intrigued by his overall skill set and his confidence.With James now in the fold, it is unclear how Philon’s role could be affected. But the addition of a future Hall of Famer will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the team, including Philon.This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Rookie Labaron Philon Jr. reacts to LeBron James joining Sixers