LeBron James Begins Final NBA Season With Defeat to Nets

LeBron James began what is expected to be the final chapter of his NBA career with a defeat as the Philadelphia 76ers lost 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets in a preseason game on Thursday night.

The 41-year-old made his first appearance for Philadelphia after joining the franchise in July on a two-year contract, bringing an end to his eight-season spell with the Los Angeles Lakers.

James finished with 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal in approximately 18 minutes of action at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. He made his only field-goal attempt and converted all eight of his free throws.

The four-time NBA champion helped Philadelphia take a 58-56 lead into halftime before the Nets rallied in the third quarter and pulled away to secure victory.

James was joined in Philadelphia’s starting lineup by fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown, alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Brown led the 76ers with 18 points, while James focused on playmaking and helping his new teammates settle into the team’s system.

The performance offered an early glimpse of Philadelphia’s revamped lineup, which the franchise hopes can challenge for the NBA championship during the 2026-27 season.

James said he was pleased to finally play alongside his new teammates after spending the previous weeks training with them. He acknowledged that wearing a different uniform felt unusual but expressed confidence that the team would improve as the players developed their chemistry.

Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse also pointed to positive moments in the team’s offensive play, while acknowledging turnovers and other areas that required improvement.

James joined the 76ers for his record-extending 24th NBA season. He remains the league’s all-time leading scorer and has won championships with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.

The 76ers are scheduled to open their regular season against the defending champions, the New York Knicks, on October 20.

Although the preseason defeat does not affect the regular-season standings, Philadelphia will use its remaining exhibition games to fine-tune its new lineup ahead of the campaign.