LeBron starts at center, wins opening tip (0:19)

Kris Rhim Oct 26, 2026, 12:30 AM ET

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Kris Rhim is an NBA reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers, returning to his hometown to chronicle LeBron James' final chapter. Kris joined ESPN in 2023 and spent three seasons covering the Los Angeles Chargers before moving to the NBA.

PHILADELPHIA -- With 76ers center Joel Embiid out because of right foot plantar fasciitis management and the Sixers' frontcourt already thin, LeBron James started at center for the 15th time in his 24-year career Sunday against the Detroit Pistons .

The 6-foot-9 James, who turns 42 in December, matched up with Pistons big man Paul Reed for much of the game, and finished with 18 points, five assists and two rebounds as the 76ers lost 106-93 for their first defeat of the season.

It was James' first time starting at center in five seasons; the previous 14 instances occurred in the 2021-22 season with the Lakers.…