LeBron James stepped into year 23 on Tuesday night and looked nothing like a player returning from a seven-month layoff, setting an NBA record.
The 40-year-old finished with 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in the Lakers’ 140–126 win over Utah.
“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,” he said. “First game in almost seven months, so everything that happened tonight was to be expected.”
This was James’ first game since sciatica wiped out his preseason and the Lakers’ opening 14 fixtures.
He had never missed a season opener at any level until now, which shows how unusual this stretch has been.
Concerns about fit didn’t last long. James said he “can fit in with anybody” and quickly made the floor look familiar again.
He didn’t score during his first 11 minutes, yet two second-quarter threes and eight second-half assists pushed the Lakers clear.
Doncic and Redick praise LeBron’s return
Luka Doncic carried the scoring with 37 points, but turned straight to James’ return when asked about the night.
“It’s been a long time since he played basketball, so I think for the first game back, he looked amazing,” he said.
“He’s going to keep getting his rhythm and help us a lot,” Doncic added. Those were his only comments on James’ performance.
JJ Redick was equally complimentary. “He played with the right spirit,” Redick said of James.
“Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer. Didn’t force it. Took his drives and his shots when they were there,” he said.
“The defense is going to pay attention to him, and I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really great to have him back.”
LeBron James sets NBA record
James is now the only player to appear in 23 NBA seasons, moving clear of Vince Carter’s record and edging closer to Robert Parish’s mark for most regular-season games.
His journey started in October 2003, when his first Cleveland teammates were wondering if a teenager could really carry a franchise.
Two decades later, he is sharing a locker room with his oldest son and a court with opponents who weren’t born when LeBron debuted.
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