LeBron James said it will “take some time” for his new team-mates to gel after the Philadelphia 76ers lost his pre-season debut for the club, 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets.
The 41-year-old American joined the 76ers in July on what he says will be his final contract in the NBA, closing out a glittering career. He is entering a record-extending 24th NBA season.
Debut performance
James scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, made five assists and recorded a steal in 18 first-half minutes.
“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,” said James.
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
James shared the court with new team-mates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Brown led the scoring with 18 points.
A decorated career
James is the highest points scorer in NBA history. He has won titles with every side 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 was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player all four times his team won the title. He has also 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 running.
Looking ahead
James is aiming to help the 76ers win their first NBA title in 43 years.