LeBron James described his Philadelphia 76ers debut as an important step toward building chemistry with his new teammates, while stressing that the revamped lineup still needs time to develop after a 114-108 preseason loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
James finished with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds in 18 minutes at Barclays Center. He went 1-for-1 from the field and made all eight of his free throws, but Philadelphia fell to 1-1 in preseason play after Brooklyn took control in the third quarter.
“We’re still trying to learn each other on the floor,” James said after the game. “We’re still trying to put each other in a position to be successful and complement each other the best way we can out on the floor, but it’s going to take some time.”
The 76ers had a promising first half, entering the break with a 58-56 lead. However, Brooklyn outscored Philadelphia 37-23 in the third quarter and carried a 93-81 advantage into the final period.
James called the game a useful opportunity for the group to continue developing its connections.
“Tonight was a good sample size for us to build,” he said.
James also discussed Philadelphia’s efforts to attack before opposing defenses can get organized, particularly with the speed of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
“I think it’s always important just to be able to attack offensively before the defense is set,” James said. “Anytime we can get some early transition points or early attacks against a defense that’s not set, you got VJ, you got Tyrese, you got JB. We’re able to punch gaps.”
The veteran added that Philadelphia was able to connect on several of those opportunities against Brooklyn, whose aggressive defensive approach created problems for the visitors.
James acknowledged that the Nets’ pressure also exposed some of Philadelphia’s mistakes.
“Besides the pick-sixes, turnovers that we had, we played some really good ball,” he said, referring to the opportunities Brooklyn created from the 76ers’ mistakes. “It’s good to go against a team like that.”
Philadelphia committed 21 turnovers, compared with 14 for Brooklyn. Joel Embiid recorded eight turnovers, while Jaylen Brown led the 76ers with 18 points. Maxey added 14, and Edgecombe finished with 11 points and five rebounds.
Beyond the on-court chemistry, James acknowledged that joining a new organization has required adjustments to his routine and daily life.
“Every day is getting better,” he said. “Obviously I’m going to have some days where days will be better than others.”
James pointed to the atmosphere around his new teammates as a positive part of the transition, describing the experience of working and playing together as something that helps him settle in.
“It’s fun to go to work,” he said, adding that time in the locker room, at practice and at the team’s facility has helped.
He also explained that even familiar pregame habits require some readjustment after an offseason and a move to a different team.
“I’m still getting into the whole everything on the court and off the court, living and also being around these guys every day,” James said. “It’s still an adjustment for me, but every day will get better and better.”
James also praised teammate Dean Wade, saying the forward could fit into any team’s system because of his ability to contribute without needing the ball.
“He fits on any basketball team on the planet,” James said. “You got to have guys like that in order to win.”
The 76ers will continue using the preseason to build familiarity among their new-look lineup as they work to reduce turnovers and improve their offensive connections.
