LeBron James began his final NBA season on a losing note after the Philadelphia 76ers fell 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets in a pre-season encounter.
The 41-year-old American joined Philadelphia in July, describing the move as his final contract in the league as he prepares to bring the curtain down on a career spanning more than two decades.
James recorded 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and one steal in 18 minutes during the first half of the game.
Despite the loss, the four-time NBA champion expressed confidence in his new team’s potential, acknowledging that the players needed more time to develop an understanding on the court.
“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,” James said.
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
James played alongside new team-mates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, while Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 18 points.
The move to Philadelphia followed an eight-year spell with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James previously represented the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, winning NBA championships with all three franchises.
He secured two titles with Miami, one with Cleveland and another with the Lakers, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished players in the league’s history.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is set to feature in his record-extending 24th season.
He has also earned selection for the NBA All-Star Game in each of the previous 22 seasons.
James will now turn his attention to helping the 76ers challenge for their first NBA championship in 43 years as the team works to build cohesion ahead of the new campaign.
