Basketball legend LeBron James has officially embarked on his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, marking the longest career in league history with a commanding performance for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 40-year-old superstar made his long-awaited return to the court on Tuesday night, contributing significantly to the Lakers' 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz with an impressive double-double display.
Seamless Return After Lengthy Absence
Despite being sidelined for nearly seven months with sciatica that kept him out of training camp and the Lakers' first 14 regular-season games, James showed no signs of rust in his comeback appearance. The four-time NBA champion played 29 minutes as a starter, finishing with 11 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds in a performance that demonstrated his enduring class.
James acknowledged the physical challenge of his return, particularly the demanding pace of the game. "The pace tested me, but I was happy with the way I was able to go with the guys," James revealed after the game. "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."
Dismissing Doubters with Confidence
Addressing concerns that his return might disrupt the Lakers' impressive 10-4 start to the season achieved without him, James responded with characteristic self-assurance. "I can fit in with anybody," he stated emphatically. "I don't even understand why that was even a question. What's wrong with these people out here? I can fit in right away with anybody."
The basketball icon explained how he had mentally prepared for his return by studying his teammates' performances during his absence. "Just watching the guys the first 14 games, I was putting myself [mentally] in position while I was watching the games of how I could help the team," James noted.
Fans at the arena gave James a rousing ovation when he was announced first in the starting lineup, marking his 1,561st start in 1,563 regular-season games. Though he didn't score in his initial 11 minutes on court, James soon found his rhythm, hitting two three-pointers in the second quarter and recording eight assists in the second half alone.
Coach's Praise and Future Prospects
Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed his admiration for James' performance and fitness level, suggesting the veteran could have played even more minutes if necessary. "He played with the right spirit," Redick commented. "Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer. Didn't force it. The defense is going to pay attention to him, and I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight."
Redick, who played 15 NBA seasons himself, placed James in rarefied company. "LeBron is, for a lot of us that played with him, or some of these guys that grew up watching him, he's a superhero," the coach said. "What he's been able to do in this game, there's a handful of guys that have been able to do it."
With this season debut, James now stands just 48 games behind Robert Parish's NBA record of 1,611 regular-season games played. He already holds numerous other records, including most combined regular-season and playoff games (1,855) and most total minutes played.
James remains non-committal about his future beyond this season, having navigated an injury-plagued offseason that included knee ligament recovery followed by sciatica. The Lakers' next game against the Jazz in Salt Lake City on Sunday will provide James with additional opportunities to build his fitness and rhythm alongside his teammates.
