LeBron James began his new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers with a pre-season defeat against the Brooklyn Nets, but the veteran forward believes his team-mates need time to develop chemistry ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
The 41-year-old, who joined Philadelphia in July for what he has described as his final NBA contract, scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out five assists and recorded a steal in 18 minutes during the first half as the 76ers went down 114-108.
James shared the court with new team-mates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, who led Philadelphia’s scoring with 18 points.
Acknowledging that the team was still adjusting to playing together, James said the contest offered a useful starting point as the squad works towards finding its rhythm.
“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,” he added.
The league’s all-time leading scorer is preparing for a record-extending 24th NBA season after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent eight years. He joined the 76ers with the aim of helping the franchise secure its first NBA championship since 1983.
James has won four NBA championships during his career, claiming two with the Miami Heat and one each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. He has also been named the league’s Most Valuable Player four times, with all four awards coming between 2009 and 2013.
The veteran has earned NBA All-Star selection in each of the past 22 seasons, underlining his remarkable longevity at the highest level of professional basketball.
With the new season approaching, Philadelphia will look to build cohesion among its key players as James pursues another championship in what he says will be his final campaign under contract in the league.
