LeBron James made his regular season debut for the LA Lakers last night, coming out on the losing side of a 128-119 road game against the Portland Trailblazers. Despite the loss, there was plenty on show to excite Lakers fans.
LeBron put up a stat line of 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. The four-time MVP was on it right from the tip off, and his first two baskets in a Lakers uniform were a definite sign of intent. Just take a look at this pair of throw-downs.
LeBron throws it down for his first @Lakers bucket! 🔨#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/0cPpSrWaHc
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 19, 2018
Turning 34 in December, LeBron looks as athletic as ever. He definitely shows no signs of slowing down, and he has extended his peak beyond what many observers thought was possible.
Having made eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, he is facing a much tougher challenge this season.
He swapped his hometown Cavs for the bright lights of LA during free agency this summer, moving to the far more competitive Western Conference in the process. The Golden State Warriors will stand between 'The King' and his ninth Finals appearance in-a-row, and he is now relying on a youthful Lakers squad who lack play-off experience.
Most expected another big name player to follow James to LA this summer, although that move failed to materialise. Having signed a four-year contract, he has been expressing his willingness to think more in the long-term when it comes to recruitment for his new team.
However, LeBron has been known to lack patience in the past, and it would not be surprising to see him pressure the front office into making some moves should results dip early in the season.
For now, he seems content in mentoring the Lakers' young guns like Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball. This was on display in last night's contest, where he continually offered advice to his teammate during the game.
“Anytime you fall, stay down.. you’re brother will come pick you up"
LeBron James is mic'd up for the @Lakers on @NBAonTNT! #LakeShow #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/2dabVW3CFp— NBA (@NBA) October 19, 2018
This season will definitely be an interesting one, and James has brought back the hype to a Lakers franchise that was devoid of any excitement for the last number of years. Whether that can bring about a return to the summit of the NBA is altogether a different matter.
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👑🔨👑🔨#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/RAH1TQZAfz
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 19, 2018
