LeBron James returns with a bang as the Los Angeles Lakers ride 37 points from Luka Doncic to see off the Utah Jazz

LeBron James returned in record-breaking fashion as the Los Angeles Lakers brushed aside the Utah Jazz 140-126 on Tuesday night.

James made his season debut – meaning he has now appeared in a record 23 NBA seasons, breaking a tie with Vince Carter – and scored 11 points, along with 12 assists and three rebounds as the Lakers improved to 11-4.

The 40-year-old had missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica and admitted it was difficult to have to watch from the sidelines.

“It was just fun to be out there with the guys,” 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’ve started playing basketball, like 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, obviously. First game in almost seven months, so everything that happened tonight was to be expected.”

James’ return boosts the Lakers

James has now scored double digits in an incredible 1,293 successive games, a record that started in January, 2007.

His return is a boost for coach JJ Redick, who was delighted to have one of his main men back.

“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 defense 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, and I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really good to have him back.”

Brilliant Doncic sees off the Jazz

James will steal the headlines but the Lakers were indebted to Luka Doncic for the win, the Slovenian superstar pouring in 37 points.

Redick added: “After the game, just waiting on the guys to get back in the locker room – I think the word we were using as a coaching staff was our poise as a group. Not overreacting, not pulling apart, problem solving, all that stuff in real time, and just continuing to play. And that at times was missing last year.”