Story perspectives

Sixers debut LeBron James ends in overtime loss

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 3:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

LeBron James Debuts Sixers

LeBron James debuted for the Philadelphia 76ers, dunking off Tyrese Maxey’s half-court pass.
He recorded eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 25 minutes.
The Sixers lost 125-120 in overtime to the Boston Celtics.
Fans bought his No. 23 jersey, selling out the team store.
James signed a two-year league-minimum contract after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Summary

Nick Nurse Discusses Pace

Coach Nick Nurse said the Sixers entered preseason with a largely healthy starting five, unlike the previous year.
Nurse noted the faster pace produced sloppiness, with starters committing 14 turnovers in the preseason finale.
Forward VJ Edgecombe was held out of Friday’s preseason game after three earlier appearances.
Nurse said practice installed new defensive sets and late-game schemes absent in prior years.

History

Historical Context

LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003 as the Cavaliers’ first-overall pick, won Rookie of the Year and soon became a league-wide marketing force. His high-profile moves—Miami Heat in 2010, return to Cleveland in 2014, and recent signing with the Philadelphia 76ers—have repeatedly spiked jersey sales and ticket revenue, echoing the impact of his four NBA championships and four MVP awards.

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LeBron James Debuts Sixers

LeBron James debuted for the Philadelphia 76ers, dunking off Tyrese Maxey’s half-court pass.
He recorded eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 25 minutes.
The Sixers lost 125-120 in overtime to the Boston Celtics.
Fans bought his No. 23 jersey, selling out the team store.
James signed a two-year league-minimum contract after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

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