LeBron James made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers. Sort of.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer suited up for the team's preseason game against the Brooklyn Netson Thursday, Oct. 8 at Barclays Center and was in the starting lineup.
The crowd cheered enthusiastically as James did his pregame ritual, tossing chalk in the air, for the first time in the blue No. 23 jersey.
First LeBron chalk toss in a Sixers uniform 🚨
— NBA (@NBA) October 8, 2026
Sixers/Nets in preseason action is LIVE NOW on NBA League Pass! pic.twitter.com/Jg1TzhhCFT
James' first field goal came in the second quarter via a reverse layup with an assist from Tyrese Maxey. The future Hall of Famer credited the rising star as a major factor in choosing to join the 76ers this offseason. The bucket put Philadelphia
up 40-39.
He got his first points in the first quarter when he was fouled by Keon Ellis and made both free throws.
LeBron's first bucket in his @sixers preseason debut comes in style!
— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2026
A smooth reverse layup 👏 pic.twitter.com/kpZUZ7LiwB
James got his first assist as a member of Philadelphia in the first quarter when he dished the ball to VJ Edgecombe for a layup.
The four-time NBA champion was substituted out of the game at halftime with the score 58-56 in favor of Philadelphia. He had 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers and a steal in 18 minutes of play.
James became a member of the 76ers this offseason as a free agent after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. He joins former MVP Joel Embiid and former NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who joined the team in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics.
What were LeBron James' stats in 76ers preseason debut?
James had 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers and a steal. He played 18 minutes in the first half.
Here's his full stats rundown:
- Minutes: 18
- Points: 10
- FG: 1-for-1
- Free Throws: 8-for-8
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 5
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 2
- Fouls: 1
When will LeBron James make his 76ers debut in regular season?
James will make his first official start for the Philadelphia 76ers during the NBA's opening night on Tuesday, Oct. 20. He will play against the defending champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How did LeBron James do in Sixers debut? Stats from 76ers vs. Nets preseason game
