LeBron James has launched a YouTube channel focused on golf following his decision to sign a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 41-year-old basketball icon shared his first video on Saturday, marking his initial venture into golf digital content as he enters what is expected to be his final seasons in the NBA.
The channel will stay away from the basketball court to highlight James and his crew playing at famous golf courses around the world. His first release, which lasts over an hour and a half, captures James and several of his teammates from the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers on the fairways during a European golf trip celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their NBA championship win.
The group played at Castle Stuart Golf Links at Cabot Highlands near Inverness. Announcing the launch on X, James wrote: "You all loved the 2016 reunion trip so much I thought I'd give ya'll a little more. Welcome to my YouTube channel! My life on and around the course. Let's go!!!"
Golf trip and free agency speculation
The reunion trip among former Cavaliers teammates raised eyebrows earlier this summer during James's NBA free agency deliberation. After informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not return for next season, the Cavaliers emerged as a potential frontrunner to sign him.
However, James stunned fans in July by confirming his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on a reported $8 million, two-year contract, ending his eight-year tenure in Los Angeles.
Explaining his decision on X, James wrote: "I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn't ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game."
He added: "I still truly love this game, and I have more to give. The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out."
Decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers
Reflecting on his ambitions, James expressed his desire to compete for another title: "This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? 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 a chance at the feeling of winning another championship."
He concluded: "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!"
James and his wife Savannah previously attended the TIME100 Sports Gala in July. To complete his arrival in Philadelphia, the 76ers were required to adjust their active squad to remain compliant with league rules.
Salary cap mechanics and roster move
According to the official NBA transaction log, the 76ers officially waived former first-round pick Dalen Terry to complete the move. Waiving Terry allowed Philadelphia to absorb James' salary onto their payroll without exceeding the first apron under NBA salary cap regulations.
The first apron acts as a salary ceiling threshold in the NBA financial framework, placing restrictions on team payrolls. By waiving Terry, Philadelphia ensured roster compliance while adding the NBA's all-time leading scorer ahead of the new season.
