LeBron James scores 10 points in 18 minutes in 76ers debut - ESPN

NEW YORK — LeBron James knew Thursday night was going to feel different, playing in a game for the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time.

But every first game of a season feels new, even for a player who has now had 24 of them.

James certainly picked things up quickly to start the expected final stop of his career with a strong first half in the 76ers' 114-108 preseason loss at the Brooklyn Nets.

«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. «And 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, or whatever the case may be.»

James, who joined the 76ers this summer for his NBA-record 24th season, had 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in the first half, helping the 76ers to a 58-56 lead.

The 41-year-old forward was credited with only one shot from the field in 18 minutes, though he was fouled four times and made all eight free throws. James didn't even attempt a shot until he was fouled on a drive to the basket with 4:54 remaining in the first quarter. But with Philadelphia's firepower, the NBA's career scoring leader might not need to look for his offense very much.

The 76ers got a first look at the potent lineup they put together this summer. James and fellow All-Star newcomer Jaylen Brown started with holdovers Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

Maxey scored 14 points; the other starters had at least six and the basketball was sharp at times.

The 76ers missed their first shot when James threw a pass low toward Embiid's feet. The 7-footer caught it awkwardly but was off-balance and shot an air ball on a turnaround jumper.

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