LeBron James facilitates 76ers in preseason loss to Nets

LeBron James made his preseason debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets, joining a roster that already includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Playing primarily as a point forward, James handled the ball early, delivering two assists among the team's first three field goals, including a pass to Edgecombe on the baseline and a bounce pass that set up Embiid on a pick-and-roll.

The 76ers opened the game shooting 7 of 8 and held a 33-32 lead after the first quarter, with Maxey contributing 10 points. James did not attempt a field goal until late in the first quarter, opting instead to draw fouls and convert free throws. He finished the first half with 10 points, five assists, four rebounds, two turnovers and one steal in 18 minutes, shooting 1-for-1 from the field.

Maxey led Philadelphia with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while Embiid added six points, three rebounds and seven turnovers. Jaylen Brown, also a recent addition, scored 8 points on 2-of-4 shooting. The team shot 57 percent overall and assisted on 12 of its 16 made field goals, but committed 14 turnovers before halftime. The 76ers ultimately fell 114-108, a preseason exhibition that may hint at how the expanded lineup could operate in the regular season.

"We’re excited about the ball movement and the chemistry we’re seeing," a team spokesperson said after the game.