Join the Miguel Delaney Inside Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter to get exclusive access and unparalleled insight. Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter Football NewsletterLeBron made an impressive return to the NBA on Tuesday night. His performance was a testament to his seven-month absence. The basketball icon admitted that his lungs were burning, but he seamlessly reintegrated back into the Los Angeles Lakers and contributed to their victory of 140-126 over the Utah Jazz. James now holds the record for longest career ever in the NBA. He played 29 minutes with 11 points and 12 assists. James’ playmaking was impressive and set the tone for this new campaign. James stated that the pace of the game was difficult, but he was pleased with his performance. “As the match progressed, I felt a lot more wind. I caught my second wind and my third wind. The rhythm is returning, it’s obvious. All that happened was to be anticipated, as it was the first game in nearly seven months.”The 40-year-old superstar had been sidelined since the start of training camp due to sciatica, missing the entire preseason and the Lakers’ initial 14 regular-season games. Open image in galleryLeBron made his debut of the year on Tuesday night. This was a rare absence from James who, in his three decade-long career as a professional basketball player, had never missed the season opener. He only returned to contact basketball activity last week, participating in his first Lakers practice of the new season on Monday.Some observers had questioned whether James’s return might disrupt a Lakers side that had started strongly with a 10-4 record in his absence. James, who is a four-time NBA Champion, laughed at such thoughts. He said, “I can fit with anyone.” “I don’t even understand why that was even a question. What’s wrong with these people out here? I’m able to fit in with anyone. “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 and how I could be successful to help those guys. I’m still able to gain a lot of eyes when I’m driving the ball or have the ball.”Approximately 30 minutes before tip-off, the team confirmed James would make his 1,561st start in his 1,563rd regular-season game, receiving a loud ovation when announced in the Lakers’ starting line-up. Though he didn’t score in his first 11 minutes, James soon found his stride, hitting two three-pointers in the second quarter and dishing out eight assists in the second half, including six in just over three minutes early in the fourth quarter.open image in galleryDenadre Ayton was visibly impressed by James’ performance (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)New Lakers centre Deandre Ayton was visibly impressed by James’s passing, noting that an alley-oop pass he received for a dunk was only the second lob from James he had ever caught – the first being at James’s basketball camp in Las Vegas when Ayton was in eighth grade. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James’s unselfishness: “He played with the right spirit. All night long, he was very selfless. Was a willing passer. Didn’t force it. Took his drives, and his shots, when they were available. The defense is going to pay close attention to him. I also thought that he made some excellent decisions tonight. I’m so happy to have him.”James’s 23rd season makes him the first player ever to reach this milestone, surpassing Vince Carter’s 22 seasons. Robert Parish and Kevin Willis are the only other players to have played more than 21 seasons. Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett, and Kevin Garnett. This debut brings James within 48 games of Parish’s NBA record for regular-season games played (1,611). He already holds the NBA record for combined regular-season and playoff games (1,855) and most total minutes played.James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in February 2023 and, last March, was the first player to accumulate 50,000 total points in the regular season and playoffs combined. James’s illustrious basketball career began in October 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has won four NBA Finals MVP Awards, four League MVP Awards, and been selected for 21 All-Stars. Open image in galleryJames now has 23 NBA seasons under his belt, breaking the previous record he shared with Vince Carter. All rights are reserved.)He led the Lakers to their 17th championship in 2020 and saw them reach the Western Conference finals in 2023, winning the Pacific Division title last spring after acquiring Luka Doncic, whom James describes as his favourite current player.Despite admitting his body isn’t yet in ideal game shape, James remains eager to continue his career. He has repeatedly stated he isn’t assuming this will be his last season, though he hasn’t decided on playing another year. His most recent off-season was plagued by injuries, including two months of recovery after spraining his knee ligament during the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to Minnesota, followed by the painful bout of sciatica.The Lakers’ next fixture is on Sunday, again against the Jazz in Salt Lake City. James has at least two more practices before that date, so he will have the chance to further establish his role and chemistry within the team. “I don’t have to worry about chemistry,” James affirmed. This is a fantastic group. Everyone loves being with each other, they sacrifice for each other, and play for one another. I just need to (get my breath back, and get my rhythm). “Missed a couple of chippies tonight that I’m used to making. But this will happen.”
2025-11-19 11:37:57
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