LeBron James Dazzles With Unreal Assists in 23rd Season Debut Win Against Jazz

It was an impressive display from the Lakers as LeBron James made his first appearance in his 23rd season, recording a double-double.

LeBron James Dazzles With Unreal Assists in 23rd Season Debut Win Against Jazz

LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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The four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players in the game, LeBron James, made his much awaited season-debut in his 23rd year. No player in history has taken to court for 23 seasons in the NBA. But what makes James’ longevity even more special are his impact on winning and producing the numbers.

The 40-year-old recorded a double-double in 30 minutes on Tuesday, as the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz at the Crypto.com Arena after a five-game road-trip. The ‘King’ may have scored only 11 points but he did lead the team in assists, racking up 12 assists to his name, on a night when Luka Doncic scored 37 and Austin Reaves scored 26 points.

While James holds the record for the most points in NBA history, he has always been an elite passer of the ball as well, often compared to one of the best passers in the game, Magic Johnson. This may be a new role for James as he has often been asked to do a bit of everything in every game throughout his career. For now, he may be seen as the third option when it comes to scoring while dictating and orchestrating the play.

Despite having the NBA’s fifth-best record, the Lakers are 14th in net rating. They don’t have a top-10 offense or defense. Los Angeles needs James to flourish in a hybrid off-ball and on-ball role and as an inclined defender. As the season goes on, James’ role in the team will be clearer. Nevertheless, it was an impressive return for James.

Deandre Ayton on playing with LeBron James

One of the newest members in the squad and recently drafted center, Deandre Ayton, had a strong game against the Jazz. The former number one draft pick recorded 20 points and 14 rebounds in a dominant display in the paint.

With two ball-handlers and playmakers in the team in Doncic and James, Ayton will have a lot of chances to score and respond to all the noise surrounding him. The 27-year-old has had his share of critics, with many doubting if he is a reliable center in a championship contending team. He is currently averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds on 70% shooting from the field. And it should only get better from here after the return of James.

During the post-match press conference, Ayton spoke about how it felt taking to court with James for the first time

Running next to him, he running as fast as me down the floor. You don’t think this is his 23rd year. The dude is a machine. I was telling him a fun fact: He threw me an alley-oop and I told him, that’s my second alley-oop from you. The first one was when I was in the eighth grade at your camp.

LeBron James’ perfect pass for the buzzer-beater

When James is on court, you are sure to get some highlight reels. He made several great passes in the game but the one to Gabe Vincent just before the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter hyped up the arena.

LeBron James
LeBron James

James had the ball and passed it to Vincent for a deep three-pointer. Video highlights captured James beginning his celebration as soon as he released the “perfectly timed dime” to Vincent, who then knocked down the shot as the time expired.

If this is a sign of things to come then things look very promising for JJ Redick and his men as they look to contend in a stacked Western conference.

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