LeBron James scores 10 on Sixers preseason debut as Nets beat Philadelphia 114-108

LeBron James has played his first game for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 41-year-old had 10 points and five assists in 18 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday 8 October (US time), but Philadelphia lost the preseason game 114-108 at Barclays Center. It was the Sixers' second preseason game. James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey all made their preseason debuts, and the side's new-look starting five showed both its promise and plenty of rust.

An unusual first line for James

James took only one official shot. It was a reverse layup in the second quarter, set up by Maxey. He went 8-for-8 from the free-throw line and finished with four rebounds, five assists, a steal and two turnovers. His first assist as a 76er went to second-year guard VJ Edgecombe, and the pair combined on early fast breaks, including an Edgecombe dunk. James sat out the second half, as did Maxey.

James joined Philadelphia in the offseason as a free agent after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a two-year deal worth US$8 million with a player option. The Sixers also added Jaylen Brown in a busy summer, giving them a core of Embiid, James, Brown and Maxey.

Turnovers spoil the night

The headline numbers were overshadowed by sloppy ball security. Philadelphia committed 14 turnovers in the first half. Embiid had seven of those and finished with eight, along with six points, three rebounds and three assists. He also picked up a technical foul after being called for an offensive foul on a moving screen.

Maxey was the most dangerous Sixer early. He scored 10 of his 14 points in the first quarter and finished well at the rim in transition. Brown started and did most of his scoring in the third quarter, after James and Maxey had gone to the bench. In the Sixers' preseason opener against the New York Knicks, Brown scored 22 points in one half.

The Nets made the most of Philadelphia's mistakes and won by six.

Why the result matters little

Preseason results do not count, and the coaching staff are still working out minutes and combinations for a roster that has changed a lot. Even so, the debut gave fans an early look at how James might fit alongside Embiid and Maxey. In this game he set others up rather than looking for his own shot.

What comes next

The 76ers have more preseason games before the regular season. James' first competitive game for Philadelphia is on opening night, Tuesday 20 October, against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. In Malaysia, that game falls on the morning of Wednesday 21 October.

Key takeaways

• The Nets beat the 76ers 114-108 in a preseason game in Brooklyn on 8 October.
• LeBron James had 10 points (1-for-1 shooting, 8-for-8 free throws) and five assists in 18 minutes.
• Joel Embiid committed eight turnovers, and Philadelphia had 14 in the first half.
• Philadelphia open the regular season against the Knicks on 20 October.

FAQ

How did LeBron James do in his 76ers debut? He had 10 points, four rebounds and five assists in 18 minutes. He made his only field-goal attempt and all eight of his free throws.

How did LeBron James join the 76ers? He signed with Philadelphia as a free agent after leaving the Lakers, on a two-year, US$8 million deal with a player option.

When is the 76ers' first regular-season game? Philadelphia play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday 20 October (US time).

Sources: The Philadelphia Inquirer, Yahoo Sports, PHLY Sports, NBC Sports Philadelphia