LeBron vows to 'get better' after strong 76ers debut in preseason

LeBron James makes Philadelphia 76ers debut in preseason clash with Brooklyn Nets ahead of NBA-record 24th season LeBron James begins his record-extending 24th season on the road against the NBA reigning-champion New York Knicks on October 10; the 41-year-old four-time league MVP took a pay cut to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers Friday 9 October 2026 08:29, UK LeBron James has vowed that he and his new team will "get better and better" after the 41-year-old put in a strong showing on his Philadelphia 76ers debut in a preseason meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. James, who joined the 76ers on a two-year deal this summer after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, is going into his NBA-record 24th season. He had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in the first half, helping the 76ers to a 58-56 lead, before sitting out the second half of their 114-108 defeat. He was credited with only one shot from the field in 18 minutes, though was fouled four times and made all eight of his free throws. - LeBron James faces the New York Knicks on NBA opening night - Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW - Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want James didn't even attempt a shot until he was fouled on a drive to the basket with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter. But given the 76ers' firepower, the league's all-time scoring leader might not need to star on offense too much into the twilight of his career. Philadelphia fans got a first look at the potentially potent lineup they put together this summer, with James joined by fellow All-Star - and newcomer from the Boston Celtics - Jaylen Brown, alongside holdovers Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Maxey had 14 points, with the other starters each scoring at least six and the basketball was sharp at times. "Obviously, I was wearing a new uniform, but the game is the game, and the game is needed to be played on the floor," James said after making his 76ers debut. "I was happy to be able to log some minutes with the guys that we've been going at each other in practice for the last two weeks, a week and a half." He added: "Obviously, I have my routine, but when you go through an offseason, you've got to remember what your routine was again, no matter how many, how long you've been in it. "All of that stuff plays a part. So I'm still getting everything, on the court and off the court, living and also being around these guys every day. "It's a lot of adjustment for me, but, every day we'll get better and better." The 76ers have two preseason games remaining, both against the Celtics, before they play their season opener on October 20 in New York, where the Knicks will raise their championship banner to celebrate their success last season. [Image text:] Bloom energy