LeBron James made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in a pre-season defeat, but he admitted that it “is going to take some time” for his new team-mates to gel. The Brooklyn Nets beat the 76ers 114-108.
The 41-year-old American joined the 76ers in July, and he says this will be his final contract in the NBA after a glittering career. James is the highest points scorer in league history and is entering a record-extending 24th NBA season.
Debut performance
James scored 10 points and added four rebounds, five assists and 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,” James said.
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
He played alongside new team-mates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Brown led the scoring with 18 points.
A decorated career
James has won titles with every NBA side he has played for. He claimed two championships 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. He has also been an NBA All-Star for the last 22 seasons running.
James now aims to help the 76ers win their first NBA title in 43 years.