Lebron Log: Debut History, Taking Charge And A Limited-edition Slam Cover

LeBron Log: Debut history, taking charge and a limited-edition SLAM cover originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Are you counting down the hours yet?

On Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, LeBron James will make his regular-season debut for the Sixers and begin his record 24th NBA season. Philadelphia is his fourth franchise and fifth NBA stint, counting his two runs in Cleveland.

It’s happening.

This season will bring the obvious milestones and memorable performances. It will also bring smaller moments that help tell the story of James’ time in Philadelphia. The LeBron Log will keep track of both.

Check back throughout the season for new entries. For now, let’s get started with No. 1.

TEAM DEBUTS

Tuesday’s setting carries its own twist.

James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin at Sixers media day that he had “visions” of playing at Madison Square Garden and finishing his career there. The Knicks’ championship changed those plans.

Instead, James will begin his Philadelphia chapter from the visiting locker room while New York raises its championship banner.

Few road arenas have treated him better. James owns a 24-9 record in 33 games at Madison Square Garden, averaging 28.2 points, 7.4 assists and 6.9 rebounds.

His previous debut games with new teams and stints have not gone nearly as well.

Oct. 29, 2003: Cavaliers at Kings

An 18-year-old James recorded 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals in his first NBA game. He shot 12 of 20 from the floor, but Sacramento won, 106-92.

Oct. 26, 2010: Heat at Celtics

The highly anticipated debut of Miami’s James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh trio began in Boston. James scored 31 points, but the Celtics held off the Heat, 88-80.

Oct. 30, 2014: Knicks at Cavaliers

This is the closest parallel to Tuesday.

James’ return to Cleveland produced a deafening reception and enormous expectations. The Knicks spoiled the homecoming. James finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and eight turnovers as New York won, 95-90.

Oct. 18, 2018: Lakers at Trail Blazers

James opened his Lakers career with 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Portland still handed Los Angeles a 128-119 loss.

That makes four previous stint debuts and four losses. James averaged 24.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists across those games.

Tuesday gives him his first opportunity to win one. The same franchise that spoiled his Cleveland return will stand in his way again.

TAKING CHARGE

Friday’s preseason finale offered an early example of the smaller moments worth tracking throughout James’ first season in Philadelphia.

With 8:56 remaining in the third quarter and the Sixers leading the Celtics, 69-62, Luka Garza missed a three-pointer. Ron Harper Jr. grabbed the offensive rebound before the ball returned to Garza.

James established position outside the restricted area and absorbed the contact from the 6-foot-10, 243-pound center. The whistle blew for a charge, and the Sixers’ bench erupted.

There was more behind the celebration than one preseason possession.

Maxey said the Sixers had encountered a similar situation during practice. Adem Bona rolled toward the basket with James waiting in his path, but the 41-year-old moved aside. James assured his teammates that he would take the contact once they played an actual game.

“We don’t want Bona running Bron over,” Maxey joked.

James kept his word, putting his body in front of a center during the Sixers’ final exhibition game.

The moment also stood out to 20-year-old rookie Labaron Philon.

“Everybody jumped up off the bench and was pretty happy for him that a guy really that old was still putting his body on the line for us in a preseason game,” Philon said. “That really tells it all. … I hope he can bring that to Tuesday and for the rest of the season. I want to see some more of those.”

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT

James appeared on a SLAM cover before he played a minute in the NBA.

In August 2002, James and fellow high school star Sebastian Telfair shared the cover of SLAM 62. The issue was titled “The Takeover,” and its cover predicted that the two teenagers were about to rule the basketball world.

More than 24 years later, James is back on the cover.

The Sixers star fronts SLAM 265 in his new No. 23 uniform. The cover reads, “This is my last run. Part II,” followed by the title, “Leaving the Legacy.”

The standard edition costs $13.99. It is the first of five covers for SLAM’s December 2026/January 2027 issue and includes 82 pages and a pullout poster.

SLAM also opened a 48-hour ordering window for a $65 Orange Metal version. It will remain available through Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET. Each copy will be numbered, and 24 customers will randomly receive an even rarer Platinum Metal edition instead. A $125 Gold Metal version, limited to 94 copies, has already sold out.

The first cover announced “The Takeover.” The latest is about “Leaving the Legacy.”

Twenty-four years of James’ basketball life, captured by two covers.