LeBron James starts final season with 76ers, loses to Nets

LeBron James began his final NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers on October 9, 2026, facing a defeat against the Brooklyn Nets, with a score of 114-108 in a pre-season game. The 41-year-old joined the 76ers in July, marking this as his final contract in the NBA after a career spanning over two decades.

In the game, James played 18 minutes, scoring 10 points, securing four rebounds, providing five assists, and making one steal. Despite the loss, he remained optimistic about the team's prospects, acknowledging the need for time to build chemistry among players.

James stated, “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.” He played alongside teammates Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, and Tyrese Maxey, while Jaylen Brown led the scoring for the Nets with 18 points.

James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, aims to help the 76ers end their 43-year championship drought.