Los Angeles, CA — LeBron James logged 12 assists and extended his NBA-record streak of double-digit scoring games to 1,293 in the Lakers’ 140-126 win over Utah on Tuesday, marking his first appearance after missing a month with sciatica.
The 39-year-old forward attempted just seven shots but played 30 minutes without setbacks. “As the game went on, my wind got a lot better,” James said. “First game in almost seven months, so everything that happened tonight was to be expected.”
Inside look at LeBron’s return
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin interviewed 10 league and team sources to gauge how James’ comeback could affect the roster. Opinions differed on center Deandre Ayton’s fit next to the four-time MVP. An Eastern Conference executive predicted Ayton will thrive on “lobs and dump-offs,” while a Western Conference counterpart questioned the center’s basketball IQ and effort.
Curry to sit with ankle soreness
Golden State will rest Stephen Curry on Wednesday against Miami due to right ankle soreness, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported. The Warriors could be thin on the second night of a back-to-back: Al Horford (left toe injury management) and Jonathan Kuminga (bilateral patellar tendonitis) are out, while Jimmy Butler (right low back strain), Draymond Green (illness) and Buddy Hield (illness) are listed as questionable.
Sabonis sidelined for Kings
Sacramento center Domantas Sabonis will miss Wednesday’s matchup with Oklahoma City because of left knee soreness, per Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee. The three-time All-Star has already sat out games this season with hamstring and rib issues.
Livers taking it “one day at a time”
Suns forward Isaiah Livers, back in the league after extended hip troubles, said he is not worried about the 50-game limit tied to his two-way contract. “I’m not counting,” Livers told The Arizona Republic. “I’m just blessed and grateful to put a uniform back on and help an organization win games.” He has been active for 11 contests to date.
Source: Hoops Rumors
