The vibes in the locker room were immaculate after the Lakers beat the Jazz 140-126, scoring their season-high in points during LeBron James’ season debut. The Lakers players were excited to have LeBron James back, as three players had double-doubles for the Lakers tonight.
Following the game, Austin Reaves made his feelings known on having James back on the court. While others showered praise, Reaves took a hilarious jab at James for spending time in the G-League.
“Pretty good G League player over there… The G raised him,” said Reaves while James spoke to the media in the locker room.
Just a few days ago, Reaves pointed out the sheer coincidence that Bronny James was playing as a starter while his father was assigned to the G-League to recover from his sciatica issues.
While James took a backseat on the scoring tonight, he turned facilitator tonight with 12 assists to go along with his 11 points and three rebounds, while taking just seven shots during the game (4-of-7, 57.1 field goal percentage).
Even Luka Doncic and JJ Redick spoke to the media about what it was like to have James back on the floor.
“Honestly, sharing it with him. 23rd season? That’s insane. Just sharing the court with him is special. He does things that other people can’t. He’s here to help us all. So it’s amazing, it’s only his first game back, and he played amazing, so I’m excited to play some more,” said Doncic.
“I thought he played with the right spirit…very unselfish all night, was a willing passer. He took his drives and shots when they were there,” said Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick.
Seems like James silenced a lot of critics tonight who questioned his fit on the team when he returned. James reemphasized what he said after his first practice of the season that he can fit into any role that the team needs and still command significant defensive attention.
“I said this post practice, I can fit in with anybody. I don’t even understand why that was even a question. What’s wrong with these people out here?” said an amused LeBron James after the game.
“Just watching the guys in the first 14 games that I missed, just watching them and seeing, I was just putting myself in positions by watching the games and how I can help the team and how I can be successful to help those guys. I’m still able to gain a lot of eyes when I drive the ball and things of that nature,” James further added.
If James can do what he did tonight and sacrifice for the greater good regularly, then while he might not be an All-NBA level player anymore, he would definitely be significantly closer to winning a championship.
While critics questioned his fit on his return, no one can question his basketball IQ. If he takes up the primary playmaker role like he did tonight, then Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic can drive the Lakers’ offense to an elite level overall.
