LeBron James via REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
LeBron James made his eagerly-awaited debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, and his performance has divided fans.
The 22-time All-Star enters the new season as the oldest active player in the NBA at 41 years old, and has joined a star-studded roster on the Philadelphia 76ers, which includes 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, and two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
King James became the oldest player ever to start a preseason game on Thursday night, and while veterans on minimum contracts are often just wise mentors who ride the bench, he still shows few signs of deteriorating.
He had the entire NBA on tenterhooks for a whole summer, as he and his agent, Rich Paul, toyed with the idea of joining a whole host of franchises, before landing on Philly.
Questions have flown around as to how the 76ers will become a well-oiled team with so many superstars used to being primary scorers now sharing the rock between them.
James' performance in his first outing on Thursday provided an indication of his role within the system as the 76ers gear up for another preseason fixture against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
LeBron James' Debut For Philadelphia 76ers
Despite besting current champions the New York Knicks 120-97 in their preseason opener, where James was rested, they were then defeated 118-108 by an unassuming Nets side.
James showed the playmaking instincts he refined during his time with Luka Doncic on the Lakers, providing a pinpoint outlet pass and a slick no-look dime to set up 2025 third overall pick VJ Edgecombe.
He also went 8-for-8 from the line and finished his only field-goal attempt during the second quarter.
NBA Fans React to LeBron's Debut
One user said on X: "Hot take: LeBron will lead the league in assists this season."
While another said: "At this stage of his career, and with the offensive talent around him, he's going to leverage elite basketball IQ and playmaking into easy buckets for everyone on the floor."
There were plenty more positive reactions from his performance as well.
“We are still elite in year 24", “LeBron is in year 24, and he still played like the best player on the floor in his first preseason game. NOBODY is luckier than us", “LeBron put on a playmaking masterclass in the first quarter of his 76ers preseason debut. Get used to this, Philly fans" and "41 YEARS OLD AND STILL PUTTING A DENT ON THE BOX SHEET" were all reactions to his display.
However, despite his efficiency on the offensive end, it was his defensive effort which concerned some fans.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea via Imagn Images
An X user said: "No bag and no effort on defence, the game is leaving you LeBron."
While another shared doubts, writing: "Dear God, LeBron James is useless on defence."
“Dear God, LeBron James is useless on defence” and “You won’t believe what LeBron just did. Look familiar, Lakers fans?? lol. So glad this guy is gone" were just two more negative reactions to his debut.
Ranking the richest NBA players in history featuring Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James
Ranking the richest NBA players in history featuring Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James
It is difficult to draw up any sweeping conclusions from one preseason outing before a rammed regular season, especially when factoring in this new-look Philly side and the fact James only spent 18 minutes on the court.
However, the performance could imply that the 76ers see James' value primarily on the offensive end, and his ability to play-make can offset any holes left on defence.
One thing is for sure, James has proved to be one of the most versatile players in NBA history, having been utilised in all five positions during his career, and while he may lack the energy on the defensive end, he can make up for it with nous.