LeBron James opened his final NBA season with a defeat as the Philadelphia 76ers fell 114–108 to the Brooklyn Nets in a pre-season game.
The 41-year-old joined Philadelphia in July, describing the move as his final NBA contract after a career spanning more than two decades.
James recorded 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and one steal in 18 minutes of action during the first half.
Despite the loss, the American remained positive about the team’s prospects, acknowledging that the players would need time to develop chemistry and understand one another on the court, BBC Sport reported on Friday.
“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 Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 18 points.
The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player joined the 76ers after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers. He previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
James has won NBA championships with all three of his former teams, claiming two titles with Miami and one each with Cleveland and the Lakers.
The league’s all-time leading scorer is preparing for his record-extending 24th NBA season. He has also been selected for the NBA All-Star Game in each of the previous 22 seasons.
James will now aim to help Philadelphia end its 43-year wait for an NBA championship as the team continues preparations for the new campaign.
