Los Angeles: LeBron James made a triumphant return to the court on Tuesday, helping the Los Angeles Lakers surge past the Utah Jazz with a 140–126 home victory in his long-awaited season debut.
While Luka Dončić led all scorers with 37 points, James delivered a strong all-around performance, contributing 11 points, 12 assists, and 3 rebounds in 30 minutes—helping the Lakers post their highest scoring total of the season.
Historic 23rd Consecutive NBA Season
By stepping back onto the floor, James officially became the first player in NBA history to appear in 23 straight seasons, extending another milestone in his illustrious career.
The 39-year-old had missed the Lakers’ first 14 games due to right-side sciatica, marking the first time in his life he was absent at the start of a basketball season.
“It was just fun to be out there with the guys,” James said after the win. “Mentally, it’s been rough—since I was nine years old, I’ve never missed the beginning of a season.”
Double-Digit Streak Reaches 1,293 Games
With his 11-point outing, James also extended his NBA-record streak of double-digit scoring to 1,293 consecutive games, further cementing one of the league’s most unbreakable records.
JJ Redick Praises LeBron’s Impact
Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised James’ decision-making and composure in his first game back.
“He played with the right spirit—unselfish, smart, and controlled,” Redick said. “He took his shots when they were available and made great reads. The defense always focuses on him, and he still finds ways to elevate the team. It’s really good to have him back.”
James’ playmaking was especially dominant in the second half, where he handed out eight of his 12 assists, including six in just over three minutes early in the fourth quarter to ignite a decisive Lakers run.
Return to Full Practice
The four-time NBA champion had returned to full team practice on Monday, participating in his first 5-on-5 session since the Lakers’ playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in April.
With LeBron back and already contributing at a high level, the Lakers look poised to regain momentum as the season unfolds.
