LeBron James suffered a defeat in his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers, a 114-108 pre-season loss to the Brooklyn Nets, and said it “is going to take some time” for his new team-mates to gel.
The 41-year-old American scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, made five assists and recorded a steal in 18 first-half minutes. He joined the 76ers in July on what he says will be his final NBA contract, following a glittering career.
Building chemistry
James played alongside new team-mates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Brown led the scoring with 18 points.
“We’re still trying to put each other in the position to be successful and complement each other the best way we can on the floor. But it’s going to take some time,” James said.
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
A record-chasing career
James is the highest points scorer in NBA history and is entering a record-extending 24th season in the league. He has won titles with every NBA team he has played for, including two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and another with the Los Angeles Lakers. He left the Lakers this summer after eight years with the franchise.
He has been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player four times, all between 2009 and 2013, and has been an NBA All-Star for the last 22 seasons in a row.
James now aims to help the 76ers win their first NBA title in 43 years.