NEW YORK — LeBron James took the floor for the first time in a Philadelphia uniform on Thursday night, posting 10 points and five assists before the 76ers dropped a 114-108 preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
James, who is entering an NBA-record 24th season, played exclusively in the first half at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The 41-year-old forward made his sole field goal attempt and converted all eight of his free throws, adding four rebounds and a steal over 18 minutes and four seconds of action, Al Jazeera English reported.
The exhibition gave Philadelphia fans their first glimpse of a reconstructed starting lineup that featured James alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, rookie VJ Edgecombe and offseason acquisition Jaylen Brown. Brown paced all scorers in the contest with 18 points, while Julius Randle paced Brooklyn with 14 points. The Nets took command of the game after outscoring the Sixers 37-23 in the third quarter.
Building Chemistry in a New System
Thursday marked the beginning of James’s on-court integration after he agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia in July. The move ended an eight-year tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers that included the 2020 championship.
James initiated the evening by performing his trademark pregame chalk toss for the first time in 76ers colors. Once play began, he took over primary playmaking duties, dishing out all five of his assists during the opening quarter.
“It felt a little different. Obviously, just wearing a new uniform, but the game is the game,” James said after the contest, according to Al Jazeera English. “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. But it’s going to take some time. Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse pointed to both promising execution and early miscues from his newly assembled core.
“I think there was some really good things happening, you know, right off the bat,” Nurse said, as reported by The Guardian US. “A bunch of back cuts and good passing, etc, there were segments where obviously we turned the ball over a lot … just the little clunky segments, too. But, again, it’s preseason, first time they’re together.”
Chasing History Amid High Expectations
The league’s all-time scoring leader is seeking to bring Philadelphia its first championship since Julius Erving led the team to the title 43 years ago. James, a four-time league MVP and 22-time All-Star, has stated that his deal with Philadelphia will serve as his final NBA contract, BBC reported.
The intense spotlight surrounding James has already followed him to his new team. Earlier in the week, James used Instagram to reject a broadcaster’s claim that he had reprimanded Embiid for showing up late to a practice session, writing, “He ain’t been late, so stop the lie.” James had previously cautioned during media day in September that public scrutiny around the franchise would multiply following his arrival.
Philadelphia continues its exhibition schedule with two consecutive preseason games against the Boston Celtics. The 76ers will then begin the regular season on Oct. 20 when they travel to Madison Square Garden to face the defending league champion New York Knicks.
