LeBron James’ Season Debut Lifts Lakers Past Jazz, Redick Applauds Team Poise
lebron-james-season-debut-lifts-lakers-past-jazz
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James returned to the court for the first time this season on Nov. 18, 2025, helping the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
The 21-year veteran logged 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting, but his primary impact came as a facilitator. James handed out a game-high 12 assists against just one turnover, repeatedly drawing extra defenders and finding open teammates.
“I just thought he played with the right spirit, very unselfish all night,” head coach JJ Redick said after the 120-107 victory. “The defense is going to pay attention to him, and I thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really good to have him back.”
Halftime adjustment changes game
Utah hit 71 first-half points, 16 more than Redick’s staff projected. At intermission the coaches challenged the Lakers to tighten up defensively, and the response was immediate. Los Angeles held the Jazz to 36 points until the final three-and-a-half minutes of the second half.
Redick highlighted the bench for sparking the turnaround. Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent fueled an extended run that began late in the third quarter and stretched into the fourth, pushing the Lakers comfortably in front.
Focus on composure
The first-year coach emphasized that the group’s composure was as important as the statistical improvement.
“The word we were using as a coaching staff was our poise,” Redick said. “Not overreacting, not pulling apart, problem-solving in real time. That at times was missing last year, and for us to get that on the first night was really good.”
Los Angeles now looks to build on the performance with its full roster finally available.
Source: Lakers Nation
