LeBron James says the Philadelphia 76ers will need time to develop on-court chemistry after his debut ended in a 114-108 pre-season defeat against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
The 41-year-old joined Philadelphia in July on a contract he has described as the final deal of his illustrious NBA career. He is now preparing for a record-extending 24th season.
James scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, delivered five assists and recorded one steal in 18 minutes. He played only the first half as Philadelphia tested its new-look starting lineup.
“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,” James said. “But it’s going to take some time.”
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
New-Look Philadelphia Lineup Takes Shape
James shared the court with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown. Brown led Philadelphia’s scoring with 18 points.
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The game offered the 76ers an early opportunity to assess how their star-studded lineup could work together. The team showed promise in the first half but struggled to maintain its advantage after the break.
Brooklyn took control in the third quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 37-23, and held on for the six-point victory.
James acknowledged that his teammates still needed to learn each other’s strengths and find the best ways to complement one another.
James Targets Another NBA Championship
James is aiming to bring another championship to Philadelphia as he enters the latest chapter of his career.
He has won four NBA titles during his career: two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and one with the Los Angeles Lakers. He left the Lakers this summer after eight seasons with the franchise.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has also won the league’s Most Valuable Player award four times, in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. He has earned NBA All-Star selection in each of the past 22 seasons.
Philadelphia hopes James’s experience and leadership will help the team compete for a championship. Thursday’s defeat offered an early reminder, however, that integrating new stars takes time.
