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LeBron James signs with 76ers on two-year deal

8/29/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

LeBron Departs Lakers

LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year $8 million deal.
Law Murray of The Athletic reported James deferred to Austin Reaves during the Lakers’ postseason.
Los Angeles signed Reaves to a four-year, $180 million extension shortly before James’s departure.
Reuters predicts the Lakers could finish 2026-27 at 54-28 or better despite losing James.

Summary

Doncic Hosts Camp

Luka Doncic hosted the Lakers’ preseason minicamp in Slovenia, emphasizing bonding.
The camp included golf at Lake Bled and a reflex drill between Doncic and Reaves.
Reaves posted “2nd slide is AI” after the drill video drew nearly 162,000 likes.
CBS Sports ranked the Doncic-Reaves duo sixth in the league for chemistry.
Jeff Teague forecast the pair could average 30 points each, becoming the NBA’s top scorers.

History

Historical Context

The Lakers formed a dynasty after adding rookie Kobe Bryant and signing Shaquille O’Neal in 1996, then winning three consecutive titles (2000-2002). In July 2004, the feud-ridden pair split when the team traded Shaq to Miami for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a first-round pick, while Kobe re-signed on a seven-year, $136 million contract. The move ended the championship era.

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LeBron Departs Lakers

LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year $8 million deal.
Law Murray of The Athletic reported James deferred to Austin Reaves during the Lakers’ postseason.
Los Angeles signed Reaves to a four-year, $180 million extension shortly before James’s departure.
Reuters predicts the Lakers could finish 2026-27 at 54-28 or better despite losing James.

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