LeBron James stars in NBA preseason debut but Nets defeat 76ers

What the report says

LeBron James made his first preseason appearance for the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday in Brooklyn, but the team opened its exhibition slate with a 114-108 loss to the Nets, according to Al Jazeera. The game came shortly after James joined Philadelphia on a two-year deal announced in July, ending speculation about his next team after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.

Al Jazeera reported that the 41-year-old, entering a record 24th NBA season, had a productive first half in his new uniform. He scored 10 points, made his lone field-goal attempt and went 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, while also contributing four rebounds, five assists and a steal in 18 minutes. He shared the floor with key teammates including Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, as well as offseason addition Jaylen Brown.

The Nets took control with a 37-23 third quarter, with Julius Randle leading Brooklyn on 14 points. For Philadelphia, Brown finished with a team-high 18 points. Coach Nick Nurse said the opening look at the new lineup showed encouraging passing and movement, but also turnovers and chemistry issues that are typical early in preseason.

The result is an early test for a 76ers team that hopes James can help push it toward its first NBA title since the 1980s. Philadelphia has two more preseason games before opening the regular season against the defending champion New York Knicks on October 20.