LeBron James 'Living In The Moment' As Retirement Talk Fades

The useful part

LeBron James took the podium Monday for the first time as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, starting his 24th NBA season in his fourth different team jersey. Unlike a year ago with the Los Angeles Lakers, retirement was not a front-burner topic. James signed a two-year, $8 million contract this summer with a player option for next season.

How it works

• James spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers, winning the 2020 championship, becoming the league's all-time leading scorer and playing alongside his son, Bronny.
• "I'm just living in the moment, especially knowing where I am in my career," said James, who turns 42 in December.
• "Me trying to focus on what my future looks like, I wouldn't be giving myself grace.
• With Jaylen Brown also joining Philadelphia this summer, James set a clear expectation for the season.

What to take from it

"I didn't leave my family (in Los Angeles) to lose in the second round," said James.

Details worth keeping

James declined to say whether it would be his last NBA deal. I'm more in the present now, understanding that I'm in Year 24. I just like being in the moment, and we'll see what happens." James confirmed he seriously considered five teams and said his conversations and relationship with Tyrese Maxey, who shares agent Rich Paul with James, helped lead him to Philadelphia.