LeBron James opened his 23rd NBA season on Tuesday, becoming the first player in league history to feature in 23 consecutive seasons. The 40-year-old returned from a 14-game absence caused by sciatica, logging 30 minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 140–126 win over the Utah Jazz.
James finished with 11 points, 12 assists, and 3 rebounds, marking a double-double in his season debut. He also knocked down two three-pointers, pushing him past Reggie Miller into 6th place on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list.
The appearance moves him ahead of Vince Carter’s 22-season streak, further extending James’ already unmatched résumé as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Luka Doncic led the night with 37 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals for the Lakers. Austin Reaves added 26 points.
For Utah, Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen scored 34 and 31 points, respectively.
The victory lifts the Lakers to 4th in the Western Conference; the Jazz sit 10th.
