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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 16: LeBron James speaks onstage during the TIME100 Sports Gala at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers on July 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME)
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins thinks that LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency in order to compete for championships.
But, Perkins thinks that James may have also had an ulterior motive.
Kendrick Perkins Says LeBron James Signed ‘Lifetime Deal’ with Philadelphia 76ers
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 17: LeBron James speaks onstage during The Shop Live panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at Jacob Javits Center on July 17, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)
During an appearance on NBA Today, Perkins explained how James’ business aspirations may have impacted his ultimate decision to sign with the Sixers.
“This is not a two-year deal that LeBron James signed. This is a lifetime deal that LeBron James signed. Everything that LeBron James and Rich Paul do is strategically planned out for the future, right? And so I’ve got to thinking about their relationship with Josh Harris,” Perkins said.
“I’ve got to thinking about all of the teams that Josh Harris owns, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Washington Commanders, right? . . . LeBron James after basketball wants to be an owner. LeBron James loves the business side of it. How do you get in the business? You start by developing a relationship right now. So yes, he does want to compete for a championship, but this is bigger than just this two-year, $8 million deal.”
James is very calculated and forward-thinking, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Perkins is on to something here. But, that also doesn’t alter the fact that James made the decision to sign with the Sixers from a basketball-perspective first. He would like to contribute to a championship-caliber team in his final season(s), and he clearly views the Sixers as that. Given how stacked they look on paper, it’s tough to disagree with him there.
This story will be updated.