Lakers star Luka Doncic drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson, left, and Isaiah Collier during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Cody Williams, left, and Lauri Markkanen, back, during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James looks on during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers star Luka Doncic loses the ball as he drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Cody Williams, left, and Jusuf Nurkic during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic loses the ball as he drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Cody Williams, left, and Jusuf Nurkic during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic loses the ball as he drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Cody Williams, left, and Jusuf Nurkic during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic reacts toward an official during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George drives past Lakers forward Rui Hachimura during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers forward LeBron James, right, looks to grab a pass while under pressure from Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Cody Williams, left, and Lauri Markkanen during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves goes up for a shot as Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (30) and rookie Ace Bailey, right, defend during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers forward Jake LaRavia dunks in front of the Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Jake LaRavia, left, dunks in front of the Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz rookie guard Ace Bailey drives as Lakers guard Luka Doncic defends during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James defends as Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic, right, looks on during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic handles the ball as the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson defends during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) goes up for a shot as Lakers guards Austin Reaves (15) and Luka Doncic (77) and forward Rui Hachimura watch during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks with star guard Luka Doncic during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier, left, is defended by Lakers center Deandre Ayton during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) is embraced by teammate LeBron James after Reaves made a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers recorded season-highs in total points and shooting percentage in James’ first game of the season. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star Luka Doncic shoots as Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen defends during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura drives to the basket as the Utah Jazz’s Svi Mykhailiuk, left, and Jusuf Nurkic defend during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James goes after a loose ball during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star Luka Doncic gets to the basket for a layup during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy looks on from the sideline during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic handles the ball during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura looks to score as Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) defends during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts on the sideline during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic drives to the basket during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers center Deandre Ayton shoots as Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic defends during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic, right, steals the ball from Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen grabs a rebound as Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, watches during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers guard Marcus Smart, center, grabs a rebound in front of Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James walks on the court during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star Luka Doncic drives to the basket as the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson defends during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, left, reacts to a foul call on him while defending Lakers guard Luka Doncic during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star Luka Doncic shoots in front of the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier, right, fouls Lakers guard Austin Reaves during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star Luka Doncic shoots as the Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George defends during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson, left, and Isaiah Collier during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James reacts toward an official after a foul call during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, shoots as Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen defends during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) battles for a rebound with Utah Jazz forwards Kyle Anderson (2) and Kevin Love (42) during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic reacts during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey drives to the basket in front of Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James (23) is greeted by guard Bronny James during a timeout in their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts on the sideline during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves grabs a rebound over the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves grabs a rebound over the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, and the Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George pursue a loose ball during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, left, and the Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George pursue a loose ball during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James reacts toward an official during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic takes a 3-point shot as the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson defends during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) reacts after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) reacts after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen shoots in front of Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers guard Austin Reaves walks down the court during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George drives to the basket past Lakers forward Rui Hachimura during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, right, reacts after a basket as teammate LeBron James looks on during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, right, slaps hands with teammate LeBron James after a basket during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen shoots as Lakers center Deandre Ayton defends during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James handles the ball as the Utah Jazz’s Svi Mykhailiuk defends during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) gestures after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers forward LeBron James gestures after a 3-point basket by teammate Gabe Vincent during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) reacts after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) reacts after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes goes up for a dunk during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes celebrates after his dunk during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes celebrates after scoring and drawing a foul call during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, left, and forward LeBron James celebrate after Hayes scored and drew a foul call during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers guard Luka Doncic drives as Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) and forward Kyle Anderson (2) defend during the second half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star Luka Doncic (77) and teammates celebrate a 3-point basket by Doncic during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers guard Luka Doncic, from left, center Jaxson Hayes and forward LeBron James celebrate a play during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers guard Bronny James reacts after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James, far left, reacts to a 3-pointer by Bronny James (not pictured) during the second half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James smiles before the tip-off of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James stands on the court during the first half of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers guard Bronny James, left, looks on as teammate LeBron James, his father, warms up before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James looks on before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James warms up before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James warms up before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers star LeBron James gestures during warmups before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
A detailed view of the shoes Lakers star LeBron James was wearing before his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers star Luka Doncic, right, smiles during warmups before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Lakers star LeBron James, center, warms up before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James warms up before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James sits on the bench during player introductions before their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Lakers star LeBron James holds the ball before the tip-off of their game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Actor Randall Park, right, along with Jae Suh Park pose before a game between the Lakers and the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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Lakers star Luka Doncic drives to the basket between the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Anderson, left, and Isaiah Collier during the first half on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — He was the caboose during the Lakers’ pregame run onto the court, and he was the first one introduced before tip-off, drawing the loudest reactions of the night.
And with each flashy pass that assisted a teammate for a basket, the sold-out crowd of 18,997 inside Crypto.com Arena roared.
Because as much as Tuesday night was about another brilliant performance from Luka Doncic (37 points, 10 assists and five rebounds), who received “M-V-P” chants when he stepped up to the free-throw line, or the Lakers showcasing their offensive potential when they’re whole, the focus of the Lakers’ 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz was LeBron James making his long-awaited debut to begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season.
“It was just fun to be out there with the guys,” James 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. Since I was nine years old, I’ve never missed the beginning of a basketball season. So just going through that physically, emotionally, spiritually and everything just tested me and keeping my head down with the work and then keeping my head up with the faith has gotten me to this point. A lot of joy. A lot of probably seeing me smiling and talking a lot on the court. Just being out there with those guys was so fun.”
And by the time he subbed out midway through the fourth quarter, leading the Lakers during a 20-9 run in the period to open what at the time was a game-best 19-point lead, James provided a glimpse of what he could add to a Lakers team that started the season strong without him.
“He played with the right spirit,” Coach JJ Redick said. “Very unselfish all night, was a willing passer. Didn’t force it. Took his drives and his shots when they were there. 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. He made a lot of great decisions. Really good to have him back.”
The 40-year-old James had an 11-point, 12-assist double-double in 30 minutes in his first game of the season, putting on a passing masterclass and setting up a variety of teammates for easy looks after missing all of training camp and their first 14 games due to sciatica.
“I can fit in with anybody,” said James, who had more assists than points in a game for just the seventh time in his NBA career. “I can ride with anybody. So, just watching the guys in the first 14 games, just watching them and seeing. … I was just putting myself in position while I was watching the games and how I can help the team and how I can be successful to help those guys.”
Tuesday was James’ first game in 6½ months after last playing in the Lakers’ Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round playoff series that ended their 2024-25 season on April 30.
“Wind was a little shaky to begin,” James said. “Obviously, that was expected. But as the game went on and on, my wind got a lot better, got my second wind, got my third wind. Rhythm is still coming back, first game in quite a while, in almost seven months. Everything that happened tonight was as expected. The pace, versus a team like Utah, who play with a lot of pace, a lot of movement, a lot of cutting, things of that nature, tested us, tested me obviously. I was happy with the way I was able to keep up with the guys.”
With James back, Austin Reaves (26 points on 7-of-11 shooting) was able to pick his spots offensively.
Center Deandre Ayton (20 points and 14 rebounds for his third consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound double-double) was a frequent recipient of James’ playmaking. Forward Jake LaRavia (15 points on 6-of-10 shooting ) also found easier scoring opportunities because of James.
“I’m telling everybody that I’m sure with some of these passes that he didn’t even see me cutting,” Ayton said. “And just being in the right place at the right time, he’s finding you right away with sharp passes. He’s making your life easy.”
The result of James’ debut, and the offense clicking – especially in the final three quarters, when they outscored the Jazz 113-90 – was the Lakers having their highest-scoring game of the season.
“We have two of the best passers to ever touch a basketball,” Reaves said. “And with them making the right read, I’d say 90% of the time, you’re gonna play advantage basketball. And at that point, the game should be pretty easy.”
The Lakers shot a season-best 59.5% from the floor (50 for 84), despite their 3-pointers not falling at a high clip (11 for 32 – 34.4%), and improved to 11-4 on the season.
“There [are] a lot of games in the NBA, so we’ve got to go game by game,” Doncic said. “We have a lot of potential.”
Keyonte George, who was born 10 days after James’ NBA debut in 2003, had 34 points, seven assists and four rebounds to lead the Jazz (5-9). Lauri Markkanen added 31 points for Utah, which has lost five of seven games.
The Jazz jumped out to a 36-27 lead at the end of the first quarter, and held a 71-67 advantage at halftime against a Lakers defense that was often a step behind the play.
But the Lakers tightened their defense from there, holding the Jazz to 36 points over the next 18 minutes while building a game-high 23-point lead in the fourth.
“We were more physical,” Redick said. “The cadence of what they were trying to do, we started pattern [recognition] a little bit, but the physicality was where it started. We started honoring the game plan. We did to start the game, they made some shots, and we just kind of overreacted. When we started the second half, they made some shots, but again, those were tough contested shots, and then we got into a nice rhythm defensively of getting stops.”
James didn’t score in his first 11 minutes on the court, but his two 3-pointers in the first half moved him past Reggie Miller for the sixth-most in NBA history.
James made a driving layup in the third quarter to extend his streak of double-digit scoring performances to a record 1,293 games – every game in which he has played since Jan. 6, 2007. The four-time league MVP didn’t score again, but the Lakers moved comfortably ahead, closing the third quarter on a 21-5 run.
The Lakers will get a few days off from game action, not playing again until Sunday when they face the Jazz again in Salt Lake City.