LeBron James suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time, as the team lost 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night at Barclays Center. The 41-year-old forward tallied 10 points, four rebounds, and five assists, shooting 1-for-1 from the field and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line in 18 minutes.
During his locker room interview, James admitted that it feels different wearing a Philadelphia 76ers uniform. However, the game hasn’t changed for him, and he’ll get more used to his new teammates.
Oct 8, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) sets the play while defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
“I mean, it felt a little different,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Obviously, just wearing a new uniform, but the game is the game… 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.”
“Every day is getting better. I’m gonna have some days where days will be better than others. I get to the facility when I’m on these guys; it definitely helps. We got good energy, good spirit, obviously, the basketball game, what it brings to all of us, is a sense of like togetherness and fun. It’s fun to go to work,” he added.
Oct 8, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball while defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Philadelphia 76ers News: LeBron James pays ultimate compliment to role player
In the same interview, LeBron James praised his new Philadelphia 76ers teammates one by one. However, his remarks about Dean Wade stood out.
“He fits on any basketball team on the planet. You gotta have guys like that,” James said of Wade via Ky Carlin of the Sixers Wire.
Wade joined the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this summer on a four-year, $39 million deal and was penciled in as a starter before James arrived later. Against the Brooklyn Nets, the 29-year-old forward recorded seven points and four rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench.
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