James scores 10 in 76ers preseason debut loss

LeBron James made his preseason debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, scoring 10 points in the first half of a 114-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn. The 41-year-old forward also recorded five assists, four rebounds and one steal in 18 minutes, as Philadelphia tested a new starting lineup ahead of the regular season. James made his only field-goal attempt and converted all eight free throws. He helped the 76ers take a 58-56 halftime lead, but did not return after the break. Philadelphia was outscored 37-23 in the third quarter as Brooklyn took control. The game was James’s first in a 76ers uniform after joining the team this summer for his 24th NBA season, following eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers. He started alongside fellow newcomer Jaylen Brown and returning players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Brown led Philadelphia with 18 points. James said the new teammates would need time to learn how to complement one another, describing the game as a useful sample to build on. Coach Nick Nurse said the group showed promising passing and movement but also had stretches of turnovers and early-season awkwardness.