The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed LeBron James back to the lineup and rolled to a 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena, extending their strong start to the 2025-26 campaign.
James, sidelined at the beginning of the season by sciatica, appeared in his first game of a record 23rd NBA season after completing practices with both the South Bay Lakers and the main roster. The 40-year-old forward shook off early rust to finish with 11 points and 12 assists in 30 minutes, sparking a second-half surge that erased an early deficit.
While James orchestrated the offense, Luka Doncic carried the scoring load. The All-NBA guard poured in 37 points, adding 10 assists, five rebounds and four steals. After struggling from long range in the first half, Doncic found his touch in the third quarter, triggering the Lakers’ comeback and forcing Utah into frequent fouls; he converted 13 of 16 free-throw attempts.
Deandre Ayton provided an interior presence with 20 points and 14 rebounds, capitalizing on James’ playmaking. Austin Reaves chipped in 22 points to help Los Angeles improve its early-season record.
Utah controlled much of the first half, but the Lakers outscored the visitors after intermission to secure the win. The Jazz will host the Lakers on Sunday in the second game of the home-and-home set. Los Angeles then returns to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday to face the L.A. Clippers in Emirates NBA Cup group play.
Source: Lakers Nation
