On Tuesday, for the first time in nine years, LeBron James opened up a new NBA season while wearing a jersey that did not have the word "Lakers" on it. He is now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after spending the previous eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his debut was a successful one.
The 76ers faced the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and they had to start their evening by watching the Knicks raise their world championship banner while getting their rings. They then proceeded to spoil the Knicks' party with a 106-100 victory.
James took it somewhat easy offensively, scoring 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting, but he did have nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block in 34 minutes. Many feel that if the pieces fit well enough for Philly, it can supplant the Knicks as the beast of the East and have a legit shot at winning basketball's grand prize this coming summer.
Lakers star Austin Reaves said on Tuesday that seeing James in a Sixers jersey during the preseason was a shock to his system.
“I already saw him in preseason and almost texted him that he looks crazy,” Reaves said of James. “It’s definitely different, but that’s my guy and I wish him nothing but the best and I’ll definitely watch the game tonight.”
James has entered a new phase of his career where he is no longer "the man." That phase started when the Lakers landed Luka Doncic in February 2025, and it truly took effect last season when he became L.A.'s third scoring option.
Some wondered if James' ego could handle taking a back seat offensively to two of his teammates. But he did just that without complaining publicly and averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists a game while helping the Lakers go 53-29 and reach the second round of the playoffs. He led the way in the first round versus the favored Houston Rockets with Doncic unable to play due to a hamstring strain.
James and his new friends will come to Southern California to face Reaves and crew on Christmas Day. The Lakers will then visit the Sixers on March 4.
This article originally appeared on Lakers Wire: Austin Reaves felt seeing LeBron James in a 76ers jersey was 'crazy'