SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — LeBron James totaled 11 points and 12 assists in his first game of his unprecedented 23rd season in the NBA, while Luka Doncic added 37 points and ten assists for the Los Angeles Lakers, who fell 140-126 to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
James, 40, made his season debut in the Lakers’ starting lineup and played 30 minutes after missing training camp and their first 14 games due to sciatica. Vince Carter was the only other player in NBA history to have participated in 22 seasons, but James surpassed him by opening the next chapter of a professional career that began in 2003.The loss drops the Lakers to 11-4 on the season.
The Jazz seized control in the second half, fueled by 17 third-quarter points from Doncic. Utah’s offense proved too much for the Lakers to contain, ultimately securing the victory.
Austin Reaves contributed 26 points for Los angeles.
Keyonte George, born ten days after James’ NBA debut, led the Jazz with 33 points, continuing a strong run of form after hitting a game-winning 3-pointer against Chicago two nights prior.
Lauri Markkanen added 31 points for Utah,who improved to 8-7 with their second consecutive win.
Despite a slow start offensively, James made history in the first half, hitting two 3-pointers that moved him ahead of Reggie Miller for sixth place on the NBA’s all-time list.
Adding to the historic night, James’ son, Bronny James, made his appearance in the final 3:33, capping his debut with a three-pointer.
