LeBron James has vowed that he and his new team will “get better and better” after the 41-year-old put in a strong showing on his Philadelphia 76ers debut in a preseason meeting with the Brooklyn Nets.
James, who joined the 76ers on a two-year deal this summer after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, is going into his NBA-record 24th season.
He had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in the first half, helping the 76ers to a 58-56 lead, before sitting out the second half of their 114-108 defeat.
He was credited with only one shot from the field in 18 minutes, though was fouled four times and made all eight of his free throws.
James didn’t even attempt a shot until he was fouled on a drive to the basket with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter. But given the 76ers’ firepower, the league’s all-time scoring leader might not need to star on offense too much into the twilight of his career.
Philadelphia fans got a first look at the potentially potent lineup they put together this summer, with James joined by fellow All-Star – and newcomer from the Boston Celtics – Jaylen Brown, alongside holdovers Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Maxey had 14 points, with the other starters each scoring at least six and the basketball was sharp at times.
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“Obviously, I was wearing a new uniform, but the game is the game, and the game is needed to be played on the floor,” James said after making his 76ers debut.
“I was happy to be able to log some minutes with the guys that we’ve been going at each other in practice for the last two weeks, a week and a half.”
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LeBron James speaks to the media for the first time since he signed for Philadelphia 76ers
He added: “Obviously, I have my routine, but when you go through an offseason, you’ve got to remember what your routine was again, no matter how many, how long you’ve been in it.
“All of that stuff plays a part. So I’m still getting everything, on the court and off the court, living and also being around these guys every day.
“It’s a lot of adjustment for me, but, every day we’ll get better and better.”
The 76ers have two preseason games remaining, both against the Celtics, before they play their season opener on October 20 in New York, where the Knicks will raise their championship banner to celebrate their success last season.
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