PHOENIX — For the last several years, basketball star LeBron James has been one of the biggest obstacles to the Phoenix Suns’ path through the Western Conference.
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BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO and Game Over show host Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ALOlTkgdAV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 24, 2026
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Friday morning that James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers after months of speculation surrounding his future, including whether he would return for a 23rd NBA season or retire. Friday’s move put those questions to rest.
That means the Suns no longer have to contend with James in their regular-season meetings against the Los Angeles Lakers. Every matchup between the Pacific Division rivals carried playoff implications, national attention and another chapter in one of the Western Conference’s most recognizable rivalries.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
James’ presence also made every Lakers visit to the Valley one of the NBA’s premier regular-season events. Mortgage Matchup Center was routinely packed, with many fans wearing James’ purple and gold jersey in hopes of watching the veteran do what he does best on the court.
Combined with Phoenix jerseys, the rivalry and star power from James could be felt way before tipoff.
His arrival in Los Angeles only intensified the rivalry, especially during the 2021 NBA Playoffs, when the second-seeded Suns eliminated the defending champion Lakers in six games. The series marked Phoenix’s arrival as a legitimate contender while underscoring the challenge James posed to every Western Conference team during his time with the Lakers.
Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Now, with James leaving the conference, the Lakers’ identity changes without the player who defined the franchise for much of the past decade. It also changes the dynamic of one of the Suns’ biggest rivals. While the Western Conference remains loaded with star power in Oklahoma City, Denver, Minnesota and Dallas, the departure of a four-time NBA champion and one of the league’s defining players is something worth watching.
The path to a championship doesn’t suddenly become easier.
Mar 13, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dribbles against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
But for the first time in years, the Suns enter a season without the possibility of having to go through LeBron James and the Lakers on the road back to the playoffs as they begin their journey through the 2026-27 season.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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