LeBron James said it “is going to take some time” for his new team-mates to gel after the Philadelphia 76ers lost his debut, a 114-108 pre-season defeat to the Brooklyn Nets.
The 41-year-old American joined the 76ers in July on what he says will be his final NBA contract, closing a glittering career. James is the league’s all-time leading scorer and is entering a record-extending 24th NBA season.
James scored 10 points with 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,” said James.
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
James shared the floor with new team-mates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Brown led all scorers with 18 points.
A Decorated Résumé
James has won titles with every NBA team he has played for. He claimed two championships with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and another with the Los Angeles Lakers, whom he left this summer after eight years with the franchise.
He has been named NBA 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.
Chasing a Title in Philadelphia
James is aiming to help the 76ers win their first NBA championship in 43 years.