LeBron James made an impressive return to the court on Tuesday night, beginning his unprecedented 23rd NBA season with a double-double as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 140-126. The 40-year-old, who had been sidelined for nearly seven months with sciatica, contributed 11 points and 12 assists in 29 minutes, helping the Lakers improve to 11-4.
James, who missed the first 14 games of the regular season, admitted his fitness was tested but expressed satisfaction with his performance. 'The pace tested me, but I was happy with the way I was able to go with the guys,' he 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.'
The four-time NBA champion shrugged off suggestions his return might disrupt the Lakers' rhythm, saying he can 'fit in with anybody'. He recorded eight assists in the second half alone, including six in just over three minutes early in the fourth quarter. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised his playmaking, saying, 'He played with the right spirit. Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer.'
James is the first player in NBA history to participate in 23 seasons, surpassing the previous mark of 22 set by Vince Carter. He now sits 48 games behind Robert Parish's record for regular-season games played. With this debut, James also extended his record for combined regular-season and playoff games to 1,855, and remains the league's all-time leader in total minutes played.
