LeBron James made his season debut in the Los Angeles Lakers' 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz, becoming the first NBA player to appear in 23 seasons. The 40-year-old recorded 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in 30 minutes after missing the first 14 games due to sciatica. James emphasized quick decision-making and fitting seamlessly into the team's structure.
LeBron James, sidelined since training camp by sciatica, returned to the court on Tuesday night for his unprecedented 23rd NBA season. The Lakers, who started 10-4 without him, improved to 11-4 with a 140-126 win over the Jazz at home. James started and played 30 minutes, contributing 11 points on two 3-pointers, 12 assists and three rebounds. He held the ball for just 2.46 seconds per touch and dribbled 1.63 times per touch, a faster pace than his usual 3.87 seconds and 2.92 dribbles from last season.
James didn't score in his first 11 minutes but found rhythm in the second quarter with a pair of 3-pointers, surpassing Reggie Miller for sixth on the all-time list. He tallied eight assists in the second half, including six in the early fourth quarter. During the game, he delivered an alley-oop to Deandre Ayton, the Lakers' new center, who noted it was only his second lob from James—the first came at James' youth camp when Ayton was in eighth grade.
"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." He dismissed concerns about disrupting the team's chemistry: "I can fit in with anybody." Coach JJ Redick praised his unselfish play: "Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer. Didn't force it."
The Lakers scored 140 points despite shooting 11 of 32 from deep, benefiting from James' quick decisions that contrasted with Luka Dončić's 5.22 seconds per touch and Austin Reaves' similar style. James, who opted into his $52.6 million contract, is 48 games from Robert Parish's regular-season games record. The Lakers face the Jazz again Sunday in Salt Lake City.