LeBron James makes his 76ers debut vs Nets in preseason game: How did the star player perform?

LeBron James made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, October 8. James played his first game for the Sixers in a preseason match against the Brooklyn Nets. This comes ahead of James’ 24th NBA season. James suited up for the 76ers for the first time even as the team played their second preseason game.

The game marked a new era for the 76ers and James as he joins his fourth franchise. He took the court alongside his new teammates, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers had earlier announced five players would not join the game. These included Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona, Ariel Kukporti, and Tacko Fall.

The crowd cheered enthusiastically as the all time lead NBA-scorer did his pregame ritual. James tossed chalk in the air at the Barclays Center. He donned the blue No. 23 jersey for the first time.


James signed with the 76ers on July 24, 2026 after he opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a two year contract with the Sixers for a $8 million veteran minimum deal with a player option.

How did LeBron James perform in his debut for the Sixers?

James only played in the first half of the game, resting in the second as the Sixers rotated their roster. The 41-year-old logged 18 minutes in the game. He recorded 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in his debut. He also got two turnovers and a steal during the play. He got 8-for-8 in free throws, made no blocks and a foul.

The four-time MVP’s first field goal came in the second quarter. Jame made the bucket via a reverse layup with an assist from Tyrese Maxey. This put the Sixers up 40-39.

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James got his first points in the first quarter, after he was fouled by Keon Ellis. He made both free throws. He also got his first assist in the first quarter by dishing the ball to VJ Edgecombe. He was credited for only one shot from the field.

James was later substituted out of the game at halftime. The score was 58-56 in favor of the 76ers at the time.

How did the 76ers perform?

Jaylen Brown was the Sixers’ top scorer with 18 points. He got two rebounds and assists. While Tyrese Maxey got 14 points with two rebounds and assists. The Sixers started 7 for 8 from the floor.

Embiid had six points, three rebounds and three assists, while Edgecombe got 11 points, five rebounds and one assist.

As a team the 76ers shot 16 of 28 or 57% with assists on 12 of their 16 field goals. However, the Nets edged out the Sixers with a 114-108 victory.

When will LeBron make his 76ers debut in the regular season?

James will play his debut match for the Sixers in the regular season during the NBA’s opening night on October 20. The Sixers will play against the defending champions the New York Knicks. The game will be played at the Madison Square Garden.

The 76ers have two remaining preseason games. Both matches will be played against the Boston Celtics.