How many points did LeBron James score last night? Lakers star makes NBA history in 2025-26 debut

Dan Treacy

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How many points did LeBron James score last night? Lakers star makes NBA history in 2025-26 debut image

Year 23 is underway for LeBron James, and it started with a win.

Despite a slow start for the Los Angeles Lakers, James and co. Pulled away late from the Utah Jazz and secured a 140-126 victory to cap the 40-year-old’s season debut. As soon as he stepped on the floor, James became the first player in NBA history to appear in 23 seasons. 

James missed the start of the season while recovering from sciatica, a nerve condition that can send pain shooting down one side of the body. While James might have been rusty in some areas, he still found ways to impact the game and help the Lakers pick up their 11th win of the season.

Here’s a closer look at James’ season debut for the Lakers. 

MORE: What is sciatica and how long does it take to clear up?

How many points did LeBron James score last night?

Final score: Lakers 140, Jazz 126

  • Minutes: 29
  • Points:  11
  • Rebounds: 3
  • Assists: 12
  • Steals: 1
  • Blocks: 0
  • TOs: 1
  • PF: 0
  • FG: 4-7
  • 3FG: 2-3
  • FT: 1-4

James was held to 11 points in his return from injury, but he only attempted seven shots and found a way to impact the game as  passer with 12 assists in the win.

James shot 4-of-7 from the field, committing one turnover and no fouls but struggling at the free throw line with three misses on four attempts.  

It will be interesting to monitor what kind of role James has a scorer this season. With Luka Doncic in the fold and the Lakers flashing some depth early in the year, will James continue being a 25-point per game scorer, or will he shift his game more toward the type of player he was on Tuesday night?

As James shakes off the rust, he will look to help the Lakers keep their winning ways going regardless of how he’s impacting the game. 

MORE: LeBron James and the other oldest active NBA players

Is LeBron James on a minutes restriction?

The Lakers never said James would be on a minutes restriction in his return, though his 29 minutes came in slightly under coach JJ Redick’s plan to play the 40-year-old about 35 minutes per night once he’s back to full speed.

At the same time, no Laker actually reached the 35-minute mark on Tuesday, indicating Redick is content to lean on his depth after such a strong start to the season.

Why was LeBron James in the G League?

James may be old by NBA standards, but he’s not old enough to be an actual G Leaguer. Instead, the Lakers sent James to the G League so he could ramp up and get in his first practices of the season.

The Lakers were on a five-game road trip when James returned to practice, so it simply made more sense for the franchise to keep him in the Los Angeles area rather than bringing him from city to city to go through more intense practices with the NBA team. 

James never appeared in a game for the South Bay Lakers and never planned to do anything more than practice with the team.

MORE: LeBron James' total career earnings and estimated net worth

LeBron James debut highlights

Here's a look at each of James' assists from Tuesday:

Despite a quiet scoring night, James drilled a pair of 3s in his return to the court.

A complete look at James' top moments from his return:

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