LeBron James said it will “take some time” for his new team-mates to gel after the Philadelphia 76ers lost his debut, a 114-108 pre-season defeat to the Brooklyn Nets.
The 41-year-old American joined the 76ers in July on what he says will be his final NBA contract, closing out a glittering career. He is the highest points scorer in league history and is entering a record-extending 24th NBA season.
James scored 10 points, with four rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 18 first-half minutes.
“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,” said James.
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build on.”
James played alongside new team-mates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. Brown led the scoring with 18 points.
A record-laden career
James has won titles with every NBA side he has played for, including two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and another with the Los Angeles Lakers. He left the Lakers this summer after eight years with the franchise.
He has been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player four times, all between 2009 and 2013, and has been an NBA All-Star for the last 22 seasons running.
James now aims to help the 76ers win their first NBA title in 43 years.