LeBron James said everything that happened during his Los Angeles Lakers return was expected after conceding the pace of their 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz tested him.

James registered 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in 30 minutes as the Lakers scored a season high in points to improve to 11-4 in 2025-26. 

With his start against the Jazz, he became the first NBA player in history to play in 23 seasons, breaking a tie with Vince Carter and quickly found his rhythm on the court. 

He made a driving layup in the third quarter to extend his streak of double-digit displays to a record 1,293 games – every game in which he has played since January 6, 2007.

"It was just fun to be out there with the guys, man," James said.

"It's been rough mentally for me – this is the first time I've started a basketball season and not played since I started playing basketball.

"Even at nine years old, I've never missed the beginning of a basketball season.

"The pace tested me, but I was happy with the way I was able to go with the guys. As the game went on, my wind got a lot better.

"Caught my second wind, caught my third wind. Rhythm is still coming back. First game in almost seven months, so everything that happened tonight was to be expected."

Let it reign pic.twitter.com/jLNUcTjQbO

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 19, 2025

The 40-year-old superstar had been sidelined since the start of training camp due to sciatica, missing the entire preseason and the Lakers' initial 14 regular-season games.

Some observers had questioned whether James' return might disrupt a Lakers side that had started strongly, though the four-time NBA champion dismissed such notions. 

"I can fit in with anybody," he asserted. "I don't even understand why that was even a question. What's wrong with these people out here? I can fit in right away with anybody.

"Just watching the guys the first 14 games, I was putting myself [mentally] in position while I was watching the games about how I could help the team and how I could be successful at helping those guys.

"I'm still able to gain a lot of eyes when I'm driving the ball or have the ball."

James recorded eight assists in the second half – including six in just over three minutes early in the fourth quarter, with Lakers coach JJ Redick lauding his team play. 

"Just thought he played with the right spirit. Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer, didn't force it, took his drives and his shots when they were there," Redick said.

"The defence is going to pay attention to him, particularly when he has the ball in the post, particularly when he's putting pressure on the rim.

"I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really good to have him back."