NBA superstar LeBron James made his much-anticipated debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, delivering an encouraging first-half performance despite his new team’s 114-108 pre-season defeat against the Brooklyn Nets.
The 41-year-old, preparing for a record 24th NBA season, joined Philadelphia in July on a two-year, $8 million contract after spending eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and four-time champion, is hoping to guide the 76ers to their first championship in 43 years.
His first appearance in Philadelphia colours saw him share the court with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.
“It felt a little different,” LeBron said. “Obviously, just wearing a new uniform, but the game is the game.
“We’re still trying to put each other in a position to be successful and complement each other the best way we can out on the floor,” he added. “But it’s going to take some time. Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
James finished with 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and one steal in just over 18 minutes of first-half action. He converted his only field-goal attempt and all eight free throws.
Brown led the scoring with 18 points, while Julius Randle contributed 14 for Brooklyn. The Nets seized control with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 37-23.
James also attracted attention with his trademark pre-game chalk toss before displaying promising chemistry with Maxey. All five of his assists came during the opening quarter.
76ers coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the encouraging signs while admitting that his newly assembled lineup needed time to develop.
“I think there was some really good things happening, you know, right off the bat,” Nurse said.
“A bunch of back cuts and good passing et cetera… there were segments where obviously we turned the ball over a lot… just the little clunky segments, too. But, again, it’s pre-season, first time they’re together.
“I think you look at it as what’s good and what are the learning experiences, things that we can improve.”
Meanwhile, James has already faced off-court attention. He recently dismissed allegations that he had criticised Embiid for arriving late to practice.
“He ain’t been late, so stop the lie,” James wrote on Instagram.
James had previously warned that media attention surrounding Philadelphia would be “doubled, tripled and quadrupled now that I’m here.”
Philadelphia have two remaining pre-season games against Boston before opening their regular-season campaign against defending champions New York Knicks on October 20.
