Overview
- James was upgraded from questionable to available shortly before tipoff and made his 2025–26 debut against the Jazz, beginning his 23rd season.
- Los Angeles beat Utah 140-126, with James posting 11 points and 12 assists in about 30 minutes as Dončić led with 37 points.
- The 40-year-old missed training camp, preseason and the first 14 games due to right-side sciatica.
- He ramped up by practicing with the South Bay Lakers, then participated in five-on-five and a full Lakers practice on Monday without setbacks.
- Coach J.J. Redick said the team will manage his minutes and rest in "uncharted territory," and James noted he needs conditioning, joking about having "baby lungs."