Istanbul / Ahmed Hasan / Anadolu

American basketball legend LeBron James announced his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers for the upcoming season after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, putting an end to speculation about his next destination in his 24th season in the National Basketball Association.

The 41-year-old player said via the American platform "X": "I thought I was done when the season ended, I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to make the decision, but I was pretty sure I had played my last game."

He continued: "I was honest in that final press conference when I said I needed to evaluate myself and determine if I still love this game... I truly still love this game, and I have more to give."

He added: "The past few weeks have been truly special, I was never able to not know what to do and take real time just to think, I spent a wonderful few months with all the people I love trying to figure everything out."

James continued: "I still want to sacrifice, I still want to work, I still want to grind, I still want to compete, to win, and to have the chance to experience winning another championship."

He went on to say: "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am very excited to energize a new fan base and begin this incredible journey one last time."

He concluded: "Thank you Los Angeles, I will love Miami forever, and Northeast Ohio will always be my home."

James left the Los Angeles Lakers last June to become a free agent after spending the past eight years with the team, leading them to the championship in 2020 at the expense of the Miami Heat.

James averaged 20.9 points per game last season, the lowest of his career and his lowest scoring average since his rookie season in 2003-2004, while his 31 percent three-point shooting percentage is his lowest since the 2007-2008 season.

Rumors had linked the four-time NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat.

LeBron James will become the second NBA MVP to join the Philadelphia 76ers this summer following Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

With the addition of LeBron James, the 76ers' starting lineup is expected to include Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, James, and center Joel Embiid.

Together, these five players have been selected to the All-Star game 36 times and have won five MVP awards.