LeBron James asked for Luka Doncic to be introduced last before the Lakers’ win over the Jazz, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
James went first. Doncic was announced last, a spot usually reserved for the team’s top star.
James finished with 11 points and 12 assists while going 4-of-7 from the field in his season debut. The Lakers beat Utah, 140–126.
“The pace tested me, but I was happy with the way I was able to go with the guys,” James told reporters. “As the game went on, my wind got a lot better.
Caught my second wind, caught my third wind. Rhythm is still coming back. First game in almost seven months.”
Doncic went for 37 points and 10 assists and continues to lead the NBA in scoring.
He picked up where he left off next to James last season, when the Lakers went 15-8 in games they played together.
James exercised his player option and will make $52.6 million this season before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer for the first time since 2018.
Doncic wants James to finish his career in Los Angeles, per Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal.
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