LeBron James sends ominous warning to NBA rivals after impressive 76ers start
· Yahoo Sports
Taking to the court in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey for the first time on Thursday night, LeBron James stepped into unfamiliar territory.
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Yet a season opener always carries a sense of novelty, even for an athlete entering his 24th year in the league.
James adapted seamlessly during what is widely anticipated to be the final chapter of his career, delivering an impactful opening half in Philadelphia's exhibition match against the Brooklyn Nets, before vowing that he will only get “better and better”.
"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."
Entering an NBA-record 24th season after joining Philadelphia this summer, the 41-year-old forward recorded 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds in the first half to give the 76ers a 58-56 advantage.
Playing 18 minutes, James was credited with just one official field goal attempt, coming on a drive to the basket with 4:54 left in the opening quarter. He was fouled four times overall and converted all eight of his free-throw attempts. Given the array of offensive options in Philadelphia, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer may not be required to shoulder a heavy scoring burden.
LeBron James scored 10 points in the first half (Getty)The exhibition provided a premier view of the high-powered lineup assembled by Philadelphia over the offseason. James and fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown opened alongside returning starters Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.
Maxey posted 14 points, while each of the remaining starters chipped in at least six during a performance that featured sharp ball movement.
An early misstep occurred on Philadelphia’s opening attempt when James delivered a low pass toward the feet of Embiid. The 7-foot center gathered the ball awkwardly and launched an off-balance airball on a turnaround jump shot.
Philadelphia recovered rapidly to sink its next seven field goals. James repeatedly orchestrated the offense, including a sequence where he fed Embiid, who promptly set up Brown for an emphatic dunk.
"He’s a great, great passer, and that was certainly on display tonight," Nurse said of James, who is also fourth on the NBA's list with more than 12,000 assists.
Nurse intended to cap his starting unit's playing time at roughly half the game, though Embiid remained on the floor alongside Brown and Edgecombe to start the second half. Most of the starters had been rested during Monday’s preseason victory against the New York Knicks.
James arrived in Philadelphia on a two-year contract for the league minimum following an eight-season tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James feels the team will only get better (Reuters)His leadership within the locker room was already evident before tip-off, where he turned up the music following his pregame workout, his folded blue uniform resting on the floor beside his seat.
"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," James said. "So, just thinking about, like, which buses do I remember taking, you know? What was my routine when I got over to the arena? How do I get ready for the game and things of that nature.
"So all that stuff plays a part. So I’m still getting into the whole 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."
Philadelphia will conclude its preseason schedule with two games against the Boston Celtics, who dealt Brown to the 76ers shortly before James made his signing official. The 76ers will then launch their regular season on October 20 in New York, where the Knicks are scheduled to raise their championship banner.