LeBron James returned from injury to help the Lakers beat Utah 140-126, passing Reggie Miller for sixth on the all-time three-pointers list
LOS ANGELES: LeBron James made a winning return in his NBA-record 23rd season as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 140-126 on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old had missed the Lakers’ first 14 games with sciatica but finished with 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in his season debut.
James also passed Reggie Miller for sixth place on the NBA’s all-time regular season three-pointers list with two successful shots from beyond the arc.
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 37 points and welcomed James’ return to the lineup.
“It’s been a long time since he played basketball, so I think for the first game back, he looked amazing,” Doncic said. “He’s gonna keep getting his rhythm, and he’s gonna help us a lot.”
Austin Reaves contributed 26 points while Deandre Ayton added 20 for the Lakers.
Utah led by 11 points during the second quarter before the Lakers exploded for 37 points in the third period to take control.
In other games, the Detroit Pistons extended their longest win streak since 2008 to 11 games with a 120-112 victory in Atlanta.
Cade Cunningham led the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons (13-2) with 25 points and 10 assists while Jalen Duren added 24 points and eight rebounds.
The Boston Celtics defeated Brooklyn 113-99 behind Jaylen Brown’s 29 points and Payton Pritchard’s 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Orlando beat Golden State 121-113 with Desmond Bane scoring 23 points and reserve Anthony Black adding 21.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors (9-7) with 34 points in the loss.
At San Antonio, the Spurs overcame multiple injuries to defeat Memphis 111-101 despite missing Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
De’Aaron Fox scored 20 of his 26 points in the second half while Harrison Barnes added 23 points for the Spurs (10-4).
“Harrison Barnes carried us through this. That’s just what a vet does,” Fox said. “It felt great winning the game with all the guys we have out.”
ESPN reported that Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss one to two weeks with a left groin strain. – AFP
