In his first taste of competitive basketball since April 30, LeBron James played like he hadn’t missed a beat in his Los Angeles Lakers season debut on Tuesday night. The 40-year veteran finished with 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds as the Lakers routed the Utah Jazz, 140-126, improving their record to 11-4.
In the process, James, 40, became the oldest player in NBA history to post a double-double in a season opener, according to Polymarket Hoops.
LeBron James Takes on New Role
James operated like a pure point guard playing next to dynamic scorers such as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, as he attempted only three shots in the second half after taking four in the first period, three of which were threes. The 40-year-old player made a concerted effort to get his teammates involved from the onset, finding Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton in certain actions, while letting Doncic and Reaves do their thing.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick heaped praise on James for his pass-first approach.
“Just thought he played with the right spirit. Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer, didn’t force it, took his drives and his shots when they were there,” Redick said after the win, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“The defense is going to pay attention to him, particularly when he has the ball in the post, particularly when he’s putting pressure on the rim, and I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really good to have him back.”
LeBron James Felt ‘Tested’
James, who had conditioning issues in the lead-up to the game, admitted it took him a while to find the wind in his sails and play like the NBA pro he is.
“The pace tested me, but I was happy with the way I was able to go with the guys,” James said. “As the game went on, my wind got a lot better. Caught my second wind, caught my third wind. Rhythm is still coming back, obviously. First game in almost seven months, so everything that happened tonight was to be expected.”
James, however, was thrilled to just return to NBA action after over six months.
“It was just fun to be out there with the guys, man,” he said.
“It’s been rough mentally for me — this is the first time I’ve started a basketball season and not played since I’ve started playing basketball, like 9 years old, I’ve never missed the beginning of a basketball season.”
The Lakers (11-4) will now enjoy a four-day break before an away game against the Jazz on Sunday night. James is expected to play barring any last-minute setbacks.
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