LeBron James Looks Good in Purple and Gold in Lakers Debut

The King showed flashes of brilliance in his first start for Los Angeles.

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30:  LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles reacts during a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Valley View Casino Center on September 30, 2018 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles reacts during a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Valley View Casino Center on September 30, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images

On Sunday, the LeBron James era officially began in Los Angeles when the King made his debut in purple and gold.

Appearing in game action for the first time in a Lakers uniform,  James tallied nine points in 15 minutes. He went 2-6 from the field, hitting two three-pointers, and adding a trio of free throws.

More impressively, James dished a couple of excellent passes, looking like Magic Johnson in that jersey in the process.

The three-time NBA champion, four-time NBA MVP and 14-time All-Star finished with three assists and three boards, and didn’t return to the game after the second quarter. But it was a major milestone for the Lakers faithful in attendance, as the first sign of a return to relevance since the end of the Kobe Bryant era.

“It was great to get back on the floor and then just start a new journey for myself and hear the Lakers fans that we have here in San Diego,” James said. “It was great feeling to go out there and hear the roar from the fans here. I very much appreciate it.”

The Lakers lost the game 124-107 to the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles will continue their preseason Tuesday at Staples Center with another game against the Nuggets.

Win the Ultimate Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Experience

Want the F1 experience of a lifetime? Here’s your chance to win tickets to see Turn 18 Grandstand, one of Ultimate Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix’s most premier grandstands!