LeBron James Makes Strong 76ers Debut as Philadelphia Unveils New Starting Lineup/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ LeBron James opened his first appearance with Philadelphia with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in the first half against Brooklyn. The preseason game offered an early look at a starting lineup featuring James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Beginning his NBA-record 24th season, James said he is adjusting to his new surroundings and expects continued improvement.
Quick Look
- Sixers debut: James played his first preseason game for Philadelphia against the Nets Thursday.
- First-half production: He recorded 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in 18 minutes.
- Perfect free throws: James made all eight attempts while being credited with one field-goal attempt.
- New lineup: James and Brown started alongside Embiid, Maxey and Edgecombe.
- Career move: James signed a two-year, league-minimum deal after eight seasons with the Lakers.
- Season opener: Philadelphia visits the defending champion Knicks on Oct. 20.
Deep Look
LeBron James Starts Strong in First Philadelphia Appearance
LeBron James quickly settled into his first game wearing a Philadelphia 76ers uniform Thursday, delivering a productive opening half in a preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
The 41-year-old forward finished the half with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds, helping Philadelphia take a 58-56 lead.
Although joining a new team brought unfamiliar surroundings, James said the fundamentals remained unchanged.
“Obviously, I was wearing a new uniform, but the game is the game, and the game is needed to be played on the floor,” James said. “And I was happy to be able to log some minutes with the guys that we’ve been going at each other in practice for the last two weeks, a week and a half, or whatever the case may be.”
James joined Philadelphia this summer ahead of his NBA-record 24th season, beginning what is expected to be the final stop of his career.
Free Throws and Playmaking Drive First-Half Production
James was credited with only one field-goal attempt during his 18 first-half minutes, but he was fouled four times and converted all eight free throws.
He did not attempt a shot until drawing a foul on a drive with 4:54 left in the first quarter.
With several scoring threats around him, the NBA’s career points leader may not need to prioritize his own offense as heavily.
His passing helped Philadelphia establish an early rhythm, distributing opportunities across the new starting group.
Sixers Unveil Lineup Featuring James and Brown
Philadelphia started James and fellow All-Star newcomer Jaylen Brown alongside returning players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Maxey scored 14 first-half points. Each of the other starters contributed at least six.
The group’s first possession ended awkwardly when James delivered a low pass toward Embiid’s feet. Embiid gathered it but was off-balance and missed a turnaround jumper with an airball.
The Sixers then made their next seven shots.
James found open teammates and, on one possession, passed to Embiid, who quickly moved the ball to Brown for a dunk.
Nurse Praises James’ Passing
Coach Nick Nurse highlighted James’ ability to create opportunities for teammates.
“He’s a great, great passer, and that was certainly on display tonight,” Nurse said.
James ranks fourth on the NBA’s career assists list with more than 12,000.
Nurse intended to use his starters for approximately half the game, although Embiid remained on the floor to begin the second half alongside Brown and Edgecombe.
Most of the starters had not played in Philadelphia’s preseason-opening victory over the Knicks Monday.
James Adjusts After Eight Seasons With Lakers
James signed a two-year contract at the league minimum after spending the previous eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Before Thursday’s game, he appeared comfortable taking a lead role in the locker room, turning up the music after returning from a pregame workout. His blue Sixers uniform rested folded beside his chair.
Still, James said establishing familiar routines in a new environment takes time.
“Obviously, I have my routine, but when you go through an offseason, you’ve got to remember what your routine was again, no matter how many, how long you’ve been in it,” James said. “So, just thinking about, like, which buses do I remember taking, you know? What was my routine when I got over to the arena? How do I get ready for the game and things of that nature.
“So all that stuff plays a part. So I’m still getting into the whole everything, on the court and off the court, living and also being around these guys every day. It’s a lot of adjustment for me, but, every day we’ll get better and better.”
Celtics Matchups Precede Season Opener Against Knicks
Philadelphia has two preseason games remaining, both against Boston.
The Celtics traded Brown to the Sixers shortly before James signed.
Philadelphia opens its regular season Oct. 20 in New York, where the Knicks will raise their NBA championship banner.
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