LeBron James will make his Philadelphia 76ers debut when the NBA season starts, Yahoo Sports reported. The 41-year-old forward signed with Philadelphia in the offseason, and his first game in a Sixers uniform is set for the season opener.
The exact date of the season opener has not been announced, but the NBA typically tips off its regular season in mid-to-late October. James joined the 76ers after a decorated career with Cleveland, Miami, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Philadelphia now fields a roster built to compete for a championship. James teams with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, giving the Sixers one of the league's most potent trios. The franchise has not won an NBA title since 1983.
James, a four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, remains one of the league's top draws. His move to Philadelphia reshaped the Eastern Conference race overnight. Oddsmakers have installed the Sixers among the favorites to reach the NBA Finals.
"When does the NBA season start? When LeBron James makes his Sixers debut," Yahoo Sports wrote, capturing the anticipation around the signing.
The Sixers open training camp in late September. Preseason games follow in October before the regular season begins. James is expected to be ready for camp after a full offseason of rest.
Philadelphia fans have not seen a player of James' caliber suit up since Allen Iverson's prime years. Ticket demand for the home opener has surged, and secondary market prices are climbing.
James enters his 24th NBA season. He has averaged 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over his career, numbers that rank among the best in league history.
The Sixers' front office bet big on James to deliver a title. Whether he can carry Philadelphia past Boston, New York, and Denver will define the season.
For now, the answer to when the NBA season starts is simple for Sixers fans: when LeBron takes the floor.
