LOS ANGELES — LeBron James brushed aside questions about his fit with the revamped Los Angeles Lakers after making his season debut in Tuesday night’s 127-115 win over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
The 40-year-old forward, sidelined for the first 14 games of the 2025-26 campaign because of sciatica, finished with 11 points and 12 assists in 29 minutes. After the game, he laughed when told some observers wondered whether he could mesh with a roster now featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and several new role players.
“I said it at yesterday’s practice: I can fit in with anybody,” James told reporters. “I don’t even understand why that was a question. What’s wrong with these people out here? I can fit in right away with anybody.”
James explained that while he was recovering, he studied the Lakers’ first 14 games to pinpoint where he could help once cleared to play. “I was putting myself in position, while I was watching the games, of how I can help the team and how I could be successful to help those guys,” he said.
Los Angeles head coach Darvin Ham brought James back slowly; the four-time MVP focused on facilitating while defenses continued to collapse on him. His biggest stretch came with Ayton, Gabe Vincent and Jake LaRavia on the floor, a unit that widened the lead and helped close out the Jazz.
Reaves, who has formed a strong on-court rapport with James over the past three seasons, never doubted the superstar would slide back into the rotation. “We knew he’d pick up right where he left off,” Reaves said.
The Lakers improved to 9-6 with the win and will host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
Source: LakersNation.com
