LeBron James made his public Philadelphia 76ers debut at the annual Blue-White scrimmage on Saturday, October 3, 2026, playing before a crowd of approximately 10,000 fans at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Matt Cord Welcomes LeBron James in Philadelphia
Public address announcer Matt Cord ended a brief retirement over the summer to return to the microphone for the franchise’s new era. Cord welcomed James to the starting lineup with a booming introduction. The crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena swelled with noise as Cord began the sequence, chanting the player’s details before the 41-year-old star took the floor. He did not wear No. 23, which he historically wore.
Outside the venue, merchants peddled James apparel and informed supporters that they had the chance to purchase his inaugural items, while nearly 10,000 spectators each paid $10 for admission to essentially view an elevated practice session at the Sixers’ home venue. They’ve welcomed me with open arms,
James said, and I’m getting more and more comfortable every day.
Newest Sixer LeBron James teased fans about what to expect for this upcoming season during open practice.
On-Court Chemistry and Embiid’s Physical Shape
The team did not keep an official box score, but the exhibition offered early tactical hints for head coach Nick Nurse’s squad. Tyrese Maxey pushed the pace in transition, supplying a pass for an alley-oop dunk that James finished above the rim. James also connected with Joel Embiid on a trailing three-pointer.
“Obviously, it was fun to be able to play in front of some of our Philly faithful for the first time… It was a great first step in the direction we’re trying to go.”
LeBron James, via NBA
Embiid displayed a noticeably leaner frame, pulling off a driving left-handed dunk in the scrimmage and later joking that it was probably the last dunk of my career.
“The difference between ’24 and now, he’s just so much more healthier. He hasn’t missed a practice. He’s been in damn near everything that we’ve done.”
LeBron James, via ESPN
Mike Gansey Praises LeBron James for Competitive Practice Tone
President of basketball operations Mike Gansey praised James for setting a competitive tone in practice, noting that the veteran has consistently dived on the floor for loose balls during camp. James asserted on Saturday that he remains prepared to pick up whatever a team may need
in order to help the Sixers extract maximum value from their elite roster following a campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers where he posted averages of 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists.
“Just being the best version of yourself… It’s just about being a star in your role and doing what you do best.”
LeBron James, via PhillyVoice
The team turns its immediate focus to the preseason opener.
Philadelphia Hosts New York Knicks for Preseason Opener
The 76ers observe a day off on Sunday before hosting the New York Knicks on Monday at Xfinity Mobile Arena for the first of four preseason tune-ups, marking the start of James’ record 24th NBA season. James stated regarding the exhibition slate, It’d be good to get out there with some of our guys to just get a rhythm,
adding, At the same time, also not overdo it, because we're putting a lot into our practices right now, fine-tuning what we want to do once the [regular-season] games come, but there'll be opportunities when we get out there in the preseason.
Philadelphia opens the regular season on October 20 at Madison Square Garden before returning home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22.
