LeBron James Debuts for Revamped 76ers in Preseason Loss

LeBron James made his preseason debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, appearing in a game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center, as first reported by The Guardian. James, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract in July, played 18 minutes and four seconds in the first half, recording 10 points, four rebounds, five assists, and one steal. According to The Guardian, James scored all eight of his free-throw attempts but made only one shot from the field.

The game served as the first appearance for a revamped Philadelphia starting unit that includes James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and former Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown. Brown led the team in scoring with 18 points, though the Nets ultimately secured a 114-108 victory after outscoring the 76ers 37-23 in the third quarter. The Guardian reported that James focused on directing the offense, recording all five of his assists in the first quarter while collaborating with Maxey.

Following the game, 76ers coach Nick Nurse noted that while there were "clunky segments" and turnovers, there were also positive signs in the passing and back cuts. James, who is entering his 24th NBA season, is seeking the franchise's first championship since 1983.

Off the court, James has already dealt with scrutiny. The Guardian reports that James used Instagram to deny a play-by-play announcer's claim that he had criticized Embiid for being late to practice. During the team's media day, James noted that the attention surrounding the team would be "doubled, tripled and quadrupled" due to his arrival.