Lebron Log No. 3: The King Dishes, Caitlin Clark Visits And Closing Time

LeBron Log No. 3: The King dishes, Caitlin Clark visits and closing time originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

LeBron James’ latest week with the Sixers included his first 10-assist game with Philadelphia, his best performance with the team, a visit with Caitlin Clark, a crowd-wide finger wag and one jumper he would probably like back.

Some of it belonged in the box score. The rest quickly made its way around social media.

Welcome to the third edition of the LeBron Log.

SAFE HANDS

Throughout the preseason, the Sixers discussed the responsibility that accompanied their desire to play faster.

They wanted to advance the ball before defenses could organize, but Nick Nurse was not interested in accepting extra turnovers as part of the tradeoff. When asked whether he could live with more mistakes if they came with better pace, his answer was simple.

“No.”

Seven games into the regular season, the Sixers have not yet become one of the NBA’s fastest teams. They entered Monday ranked 20th in pace.

Their ball security has stood out.

Philadelphia has committed an NBA-low 12.7 turnovers per game. James has helped organize the offense as its leading facilitator, recording 35 assists against 11 turnovers.

He leads the Sixers in total assists despite playing only five games. Tyrese Maxey, who has appeared in all seven, is second with 31.

James provided the cleanest example Wednesday night against the Pacers. He finished with 13 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, two blocks and no turnovers during the Sixers’ 114-109 comeback victory.

It was his first double-digit-assist performance with Philadelphia. According to StatMuse, James also became the oldest player in its database to record at least 10 points and 10 assists while committing no more than one turnover.

He was 41 years and 302 days old.

James’ night was not flashy by his standards. He attempted 12 shots and finished fifth on the team in scoring. Still, he helped five Sixers reach double figures without surrendering a possession.

The Sixers signed the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Through the opening weeks of his Philadelphia career, he has been their leading passer.

CUP BUSINESS

James entered his first NBA Cup game with the Sixers possessing more tournament history than anyone else on the roster.

He led the Lakers to the inaugural Cup championship in 2023 and was named the event’s first MVP after averaging 26.4 points, eight rebounds and seven assists during Los Angeles’ unbeaten run.

Three years later, his first Cup game in red, white and blue produced his best Sixers performance yet.

James recorded 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block in Friday’s 98-93 win over the Knicks. He shot 8 for 15 and saved two of his most important baskets for the final 70 seconds.

Jalen Brunson’s three-pointer gave New York a 90-89 lead with 1:32 remaining. On the ensuing possession, James backed down OG Anunoby, turned toward the middle and sank a fadeaway to move the Sixers back in front.

VJ Edgecombe extended the lead with a three-pointer as the shot clock expired. After Brunson made two free throws, Maxey drove for a layup and missed. James followed the play, collected the offensive rebound and scored the putback with 11.9 seconds remaining.

The basket sealed Philadelphia’s second win over the defending champions and its first of NBA Cup group play.

“Best game all around,” Nurse said. “He’s been good, but that was his best game for sure.”

James has played more than 1,600 regular-season games, but his Philadelphia closing reel has officially begun.

THE SHRUG AND THE WAG

The fourth-quarter baskets were not James’ only memorable moments Friday.

After converting an and-one earlier in the game, James broke out his familiar shoulder-shrug celebration. Edgecombe joined him, smiling as he mirrored the move alongside his 41-year-old teammate.

The pair had already developed a personalized handshake featuring two taps to the head and a forceful shrug. This one came during the game.

James supplied another recognizable celebration in the third quarter.

Anunoby drove toward the basket with James trailing the play. James caught him near the rim and was officially credited with his fifth block of the season.

He turned toward the crowd and wagged his finger. The fans joined in.

Edgecombe later delivered the biggest shot of the game, and James met him with an embrace near the sideline. The two are separated by more than 20 years, but they have quickly developed a collection of celebrations.

“He doesn’t shy away from the moment,” James said of the 21-year-old. “Young kid, but he thrives in the moment.”

JUST A COUPLE OF HOOPERS

James was not the only basketball attraction inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark watched the Sixers’ win from courtside and brought a small camera with her. It was the second time this year she photographed James during a game.

In March, Clark served as a credentialed photographer when James and the Lakers visited Indiana.

“The KING ???? … Shot by ME,” Clark wrote when she shared those photos.

After Wednesday’s game, Clark made her way toward the visiting locker room. She briefly met Maxey before speaking with James in the hallway.

James gave Clark one of his No. 23 Sixers jerseys. The team shared photos of the exchange with a fitting caption.

“Just a couple of hoopers.”

Clark publicly expressed hope that James would join the Pacers before he signed with Philadelphia. Their mutual respect goes back further.

During Clark’s first WNBA season in 2024, James compared the attention surrounding her professional debut to what he experienced when he entered the NBA directly from high school.

“I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before,” James said at the time. “I’ve walked that road before.”

James did not speak with reporters after Wednesday’s game, so he was not asked about their conversation.

Maxey was asked about meeting Clark for the first time.

“That’s just another person that I like to watch,” he said. “She cold. She nice. Seeing her today was really cool. Sometimes you try not to fan out, but it was really cool seeing her. It’s her building; she plays here too.”

DANCE FIRST, SHOOT SECOND

James and Edgecombe also produced the week’s most widely shared Sixers warmup clip.

Before Wednesday’s game, the two danced together near the three-point line. Edgecombe moved away while James stepped back and launched a jumper.

The shot hit the side of the backboard.

The clip spread quickly across social media. James still walked out of downtown Indianapolis with 10 assists, no turnovers and a victory.

James has made more field goals than anyone in NBA history. Even the career scoring leader is entitled to one warmup mulligan.