‘Still Elite in Year 24,’ ‘Useless on Defense’ — NBA World Divided As LeBron James Doesn’t Miss in Historic 76ers Debut

Tristan Rawcliffe Updated Fri, October 9, 2026 at 5:07 AM UTC 'Still Elite in Year 24,' 'Useless on Defense' -- NBA World Divided As LeBron James Doesn't Miss in Historic 76ers Debut LeBron James made his highly anticipated preseason debut for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, making history upon tipoff. While the 22-time All-Star didn’t miss from the field or the free-throw line in limited action, his performance drew mixed reactions, with his defensive effort coming under scrutiny. LeBron James’ 76ers Preseason Debut Draws Mixed Reactions James delivered one of the biggest surprises of the offseason with his decision to join Philadelphia and form a superteam alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. After resting during the 76ers’ 120-97 preseason-opening win over the New York Knicks on Monday, fans got to see the 41-year-old take the court in his new threads for the first time on Thursday. Becoming the oldest player ever to start a preseason game, James showed he still has plenty left in the tank. His savvy playmaking was put on full display, including a perfectly executed outlet pass and no-look dish, both to sophomore guard VJ Edgecombe. James also thrived at the free-throw line, going 8-for-8. That accounted for 8 of his 10 points, with the four-time MVP converting his lone field-goal attempt, a scoop shot inside, midway through the second quarter. He finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal, while logging a plus-10 plus-minus in just 18 minutes as Philadelphia fell 114-108. “We are still elite in year 24,” one James fan page reacted . “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,” another declared . “LeBron put on a playmaking masterclass in the first quarter of his 76ers preseason debut. Get used to this, Philly fans,” Basketball Performances wrote . “41 YEARS OLD AND STILL PUTTING A DENT ON THE BOX SHEET,” another exclaimed . Still, some called out the veteran forward’s lethargic defense, as clips surfaced showing him getting blown by and taking his time getting back up the court. “No bag and no effort on defense. The game is leaving you, LeBron,” one Los Angeles Lakers fan blasted James. “Dear God, LeBron James is useless on defense,” another remarked . “No handles and no defense. Have fun, Sixers fans,” House of Lowlights quipped . “You won’t believe what LeBron just did. Look familiar, Lakers fans?? lol. So glad this guy is gone,” another Lakers supporter weighed in . While preseason overreactions have become commonplace, expecting James to go all out on defense in a tune-up contest in Year 24 would be a tall ask. MORE: ‘He Just Let Me Be Me’ — Luka Dončić Makes Feelings Clear on Playing Alongside LeBron James on Lakers For now, 76ers fans can continue to revel in the fact that their squad landed an all-time great coming off an All-Star campaign for nothing. The stakes will rise for James and Co. when they tip off their regular-season slate on the road against the defending champion New York Knicks on Oct. 20. This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .