James breaks NBA record in first game of season

LeBron James became the first player to appear in 23 consecutive NBA seasons when he stepped onto the court for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old, who missed his team’s first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, contributed 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in 30 minutes in a 140-126 home win over the Utah Jazz.

Announcement

James, the NBA’s leading scorer, surpassed Vince Carter’s record of playing in 22 consecutive NBA seasons, while his two 3-pointers moved him above Reggie Miller into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time list of most 3-pointers made.

“It’s been a long time since he played basketball, so I think he was great in his first game,” Lakers teammate Luka Doncic said.

“He will continue to maintain his pace and will help us a lot.”

Doncic had 37 points and four steals in the win against the Jazz, while also contributing 10 assists and five rebounds.

Announcement

Austin Reaves scored 26 points for the Lakers, while Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen scored 34 and 31 points, respectively, for Utah.

The win moves the Lakers into fourth place in the Western Conference, with the Jazz in 10th place.