NBA superstar LeBron James turned down four other teams before opting to join the Philadelphia 76ers for a record-extending 24th career season in the league – and the ‘real reason’ behind his decision has emerged.
From the moment the news broke on Friday, James made one thing abundantly clear in the fourth move of his NBA career. His switch to the 76ers was not about securing one final lucrative payday.
This was proven when details of his new salary were confirmed, with the 41-year-old set to earn far less than he did last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Four Teams LeBron Rejected Before Signing With the 76ers
The 76ers beat out competition from the Miami Heat to land James, with many viewing a return to the franchise where he won his first two championships as a fairytale ending. Potential switches to the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers were also firmly on the table.
Despite these four sides emerging as genuine contenders for James’ signature, Philadelphia’s new-found championship credentials ultimately proved impossible to ignore for LBJ. The four-time NBA champion is prioritising one thing above all else: placing himself in the strongest possible position to compete for his fifth chip.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, that mindset ultimately separated the 76ers from a host of rival suitors. Speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Charania explained James’ pursuit of another ring and why it came before any financial consideration.
“LeBron James put his money where his mouth is because, from the outset of this process, he felt like he wanted happiness,” Charania said.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea via Imagn Images
“So what did happiness justify for him? It meant going out somewhere where he can compete for a championship, be a part of a culture and an environment where he feels like he can stay competitive.”
Charania added that after weighing up his options, Philadelphia offered the strongest championship chances.
“He felt out of the Cavs, the Heat, the Warriors, the Sixers had the best roster to win a championship, his potential fit championship,” Charania said.
Why the 76ers Won the LeBron James Lottery
LeBron James via REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
“I still want to sacrifice,” James said as he broke the news on his X account. “I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
Several key moments over the past few weeks ultimately led James to swap the Lakers for the 76ers.
The first came away from the court. 76ers president Mike Gansey played a pivotal role in negotiations. Gansey has known the 41-year-old since his high school days, giving Philadelphia an invaluable connection.
Both Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey also spoke to James during his free agency, playing agent for their side.
And Nick Nurse was the only head coach James held discussions with during his free agency, further underlining Philadelphia as his ideal destination.
“The only coach that LeBron James spoke to during this process over the last three and a half weeks, that’s Nick Nurse with the Sixers,” Charania said.
Yet despite all these factors, Jaylen Brown’s trade to the 76ers proved the most decisive of them all.
His blockbuster move from rivals Boston Celtics, in what has become one of the most controversial trades of the 21st century, has transformed the 76ers from a seventh-seeded side into a genuine NBA Championship contender heading into the 2026/27 season.
James’ arrival has only strengthened those credentials, with Philadelphia now boasting one of the most star-studded rosters in the NBA.
“The moment he got traded to the Sixers from Boston, a couple days into free agency, the Sixers came onto LeBron James’ radar, came on the map,” Charania said.
Brown’s arrival in Philadelphia has made the 76ers one of the teams with the strongest cores in the league.
Faced with the choice of returning to Cleveland, reuniting with Miami alongside Giannis, linking up with Stephen Curry in Golden State or joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, James’ decision may have come from left field, but it could also provide him with the strongest opportunity to end his career on the highest possible note by winning a fifth NBA championship.
Arsenal are looking at ways to bolster their squad for the coming season, and they are ready to look at the Premier League to do it.
The Gunners have signed Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis so far this summer, while Leandro Trossard has departed for Besiktas as Mikel Arteta looks to freshen things up in an attempt to make history by winning back-to-back league titles for the first time in the club’s history.
A number of first-team players are expected to be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium as a result, and Arteta has identified one star as a potential reinforcement in attack who could come in as a replacement.
Arsenal Eyeing Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins Calls Arne Slot’s Liverpool ‘Disjointed’ After Aston Villa Win
According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal are considering renewing their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer.
Watkins, who has been described as ‘elite’, is Villa’s top goalscorer in Premier League history, and was linked with a big-money move to north London in January 2025, but a move never materialised.
But with Gabriel Jesus expected to depart before the new season starts, Arsenal are monitoring the England international’s situation at Villa Park with a view to making a formal move for him later in the window.
Fenerbahce were considering a £30m offer for the 30-year-old, but Villa made it clear they would not accept at that price, and a move went no further. However, it’s understood that they could be more receptive to an offer worth around £40m, which has sparked interest from Arsenal.
Arteta has put Watkins near the top of their shortlist for forward signings, and Villa’s financial situation has led to confidence that they could be able to get a deal done if they push hard. However, as things stand, Villa are determined to keep him, having already lost Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne.
Watkins, much like Konsa, is playing at the top of his game right now, and it could be the last chance for them to make the step up to a title-challenger, which would bring plenty of appeal to the players. But it’s also worth nothing that both players would be great signings for Arsenal, bringing traits and quality they don’t already have.
Villa will fight hard to keep him, and Arsenal have other targets they are prioritising for the position, but Watkins’ situation is one to keep a close eye on as the window begins to fire up.
A USMNT star was heavily booed by MLS fans during his first game back after the World Cup this week. Of course, at one point, it looked as though football fever had completely taken over the country, with the Stars and Stripes expectant of a deep run at this summer’s tournament.
Back-to-back wins over Paraguay and Australia – 4-1 and 2-0 respectively – to kickstart their campaign under Mauricio Pochettino saw USA make history as they achieved that feat for just the first time since 1930. However, just as quickly as they thought they were going to make it all the way, their world came crashing back down onto them.
A 3-2 loss to Turkiye already showed signs that USMNT weren’t as imperious as they seemed earlier into the tournament, and a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 proved the final nail in the coffin.
In the aftermath of that exit, much of the blame fell on Christian Pulisic. However, when MLS action resumed this week, it was a different USMNT star who found himself in the firing line, as Columbus Crew supporters relentlessly booed him during their clash with New York City.
USMNT Star Relentlessly Booed Upon his Return to the MLS
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese returned to action with New York City on Wednesday night, but it appears America isn’t ready to forgive him for his mistakes in the defeat to Belgium. Every time he touched the ball in Ohio, a chorus of boos rained down from the crowds.
Freese’s woes in midweek started from his first touch in the third minute of the match against Columbus. Some supporters appeared to be chanting “Shame!” at him, and others were giving him thumbs down, according to the Sun USA.
The 27-year-old didn’t appear bothered by the boos, as he put on a good performance, making three saves to win the game 2-1. And afterwards, his manager defended him from the brutal crowd reaction.
NYCFC Boss Defends Freese Amid Brutal Crowd Reaction
Brace Hemmelgarn | Imagn Images
NYCFC manager Pascal Jansen said Freese’s effort “speaks for itself,” after having technically been able to take more time off due to a FIFA rule, had he needed it. The boss continued (watch below):
“He’s not worried about these things. He has to go through it. Everybody is apparently still very disappointed either with the performance from the national team as one, and maybe in particular Matty’s performance, given the last game that he played, and what happened in that game.
“But that is something that Matty has to deal with, and he’ll get through that with the support of everybody around him, but especially the locker room. We’re not worried one bit.”
New York City currently sits sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference, 12 points adrift of the top two, Inter Miami and Nashville SC. Their next match sees them take on Chicago at home.
Celtic have agreed a club-record deal to sign Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh, according to the Daily Record.
The Glasgow giants have been desperate to bolster their squad in the transfer window after winning a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, with Martin O’Neill installed on a permanent contract with the task of rebuilding the side following a disappointing campaign.
And the club have now reached an agreement for their top target, months after failing to agree a deal for him in the January transfer window.
Celtic Agree Club-Record Kasper Hogh Deal
via Reuters
Hogh, who has been described as ‘exceptional’, was identified as Celtic’s top forward target for the transfer window, and a deal worth £11m plus add-ons has now been agreed.
The Danish forward will undergo a medical in the coming days, and barring any last-minute hitches in the deal, he is expected to put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Celtic Park with the Scottish champions.
The deal will eclipse the £11m Celtic splashed to sign Arne Engels two summers ago, breaking the club record and making the 25-year-old their most expensive signing ever.
The 6ft 1 striker was on the verge of a move in January before opting to stay put as Bodo/Glimt put together an impressive run in the Champions League knockout stages. He scored six goals in the tournament, including goals against Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
The deal was agreed at the same time Celtic confirmed the departure of Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town in a £10m deal, which has clearly helped to fund the club’s second signing of the summer.
