LeBron James didn’t just return to the court — he rewrote history again. On Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Lakers crushed the Utah Jazz 140-126 in a game that felt more like a coronation than a season opener. James, 40, made his long-awaited 2025-26 debut after missing the first 15 games, and though he only scored 11 points, his presence alone shifted the gravity of the game. More than that — he extended his legendary streak of double-digit scoring to 1,293 consecutive games, a run that began on January 6, 2007. No one in NBA history has done it. Not Jordan. Not Kareem. Not Kobe.
A Night of Records and Reinvention
James didn’t need 40 points to dominate. He orchestrated. He found Luka Dončić in rhythm. He hit two threes — the 2,561st and 2,562nd of his career — passing Reggie Miller for sixth on the all-time list. He moved the ball with the precision of a veteran conductor, dishing out 12 assists while playing just 31 minutes. His last basket? A driving layup in the third quarter. After that, he sat back. Let the machine take over.
And what a machine it was. Luka Dončić, the Slovenian maestro who signed with the Lakers this offseason, exploded for 37 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds. Seventeen of those points came in the third quarter alone — a personal scoring blitz that turned a 1-point halftime deficit into a 17-point lead. The Jazz had led 36-27 after the first quarter, but the Lakers outscored them 37-22 in the third. That’s not a run. That’s a demolition.
“He didn’t take long to find the flow,” said CBS Sports’ sideline reporter. “James put on a playmaking clinic in the second half, and Dončić scored 17 points in the third quarter while the Lakers pulled away from Utah.”
Utah’s Bright Spots in a Losing Effort
The Jazz didn’t go quietly. Keyonte George, the 21-year-old point guard born just 10 days after James’ NBA debut, matched his season high with 33 points and five threes. He’d hit the game-winner against Chicago just two nights earlier — a double-overtime dagger that had Utah fans buzzing. On Tuesday, he kept the Jazz alive early, scoring 23 points in the first half as the Jazz built their lead.
Lauri Markkanen added 31 points, 22 of them before halftime, proving he’s still Utah’s most reliable offensive weapon. But when the Lakers switched to a 2-3 zone in the third, the Jazz’s rhythm shattered. They scored just 22 points in the quarter — their lowest output of the season. The 21-5 closing run to end the third? That wasn’t luck. That was defense meeting opportunity.
The James Family Legacy, One More Shot
And then there was Bronny. Bronny James, the 20-year-old second-year guard and LeBron’s son, checked in with 3:33 left. The arena roared. He took a pass from Dončić, stepped behind the arc, and drained the three. The crowd erupted. Cameras flashed. His father, on the bench, gave a small nod — no smile, no celebration. Just a quiet acknowledgment. The moment was bigger than stats. Bigger than wins. It was generational.
It’s easy to forget: Bronny was a second-round pick. He survived a cardiac arrest in preseason practice last year. He’s not here by name. He’s here by grit. And on this night, in front of his father’s historic milestone, he made his own mark.
Where the Lakers Stand Now
The win improved the Lakers to 11-4, their third straight victory. They’re now tied with the Denver Nuggets for second in the Western Conference, just behind the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder (15-1). In the Pacific Division, they lead the Phoenix Suns by two games, holding a .733 winning percentage — the best in the division.
But the real story isn’t the standings. It’s the chemistry. James and Dončić have played just 15 games together. Yet their synergy feels preordained. Dončić is thriving in a system that doesn’t demand he be the sole creator. James is thriving as the facilitator — the veteran who knows when to score, and when to let others shine.
What’s Next? A Rematch in Salt Lake City
The Jazz, now 5-9 and stuck in 10th place in the West, host the Thunder on Friday. The Lakers, meanwhile, head to Salt Lake City on Sunday, November 22, for a rematch. That game won’t just be about revenge — it’ll be a test. Can Utah slow Dončić? Can they contain James’ passing lanes? Can they avoid another third-quarter collapse?
For the Lakers, it’s about consistency. They’ve won three in a row. But they’ve also lost to the Clippers and Kings this season. This team has talent. Now they need durability. And James? He’s not just playing for rings anymore. He’s playing for legacy — and for the next generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did LeBron James extend his double-digit scoring streak to 1,293 games?
James reached his 1,293rd consecutive game with double-digit scoring by hitting a driving layup in the third quarter against the Jazz. The streak began on January 6, 2007, during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s never missed a game since then where he scored fewer than 10 points — even through injuries, rest nights, and playoff battles. It’s the longest such streak in NBA history.
Why is Luka Dončić’s performance significant for the Lakers?
Dončić’s 37-point, 10-assist night was his first 35+ point game as a Laker and proved he can thrive outside Dallas’ isolation-heavy system. With James as the primary playmaker, Dončić has more room to attack off the ball and exploit mismatches. His scoring explosion in the third quarter — 17 points — was the turning point that turned a close game into a blowout.
What does this win mean for the Lakers’ championship chances?
With James and Dončić clicking, the Lakers now have two of the top five players in the league operating in sync. Their 11-4 start is their best through 15 games since 2020. If they maintain this pace — and stay healthy — they’re a top-3 seed in the West. But their depth remains a concern; only four players average over 15 points. Playoff success will hinge on bench contributions and defensive consistency.
How did Keyonte George perform despite the loss?
George, just 21, matched his season high with 33 points and five three-pointers — the same number he hit in Utah’s double-overtime win over Chicago two nights prior. He’s emerging as the Jazz’s most reliable scoring option, especially with Donovan Mitchell sidelined. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble gives Utah a much-needed offensive spark, even in losses.
Why did LeBron James sit out the first 15 games of the season?
The Lakers managed his minutes carefully after he dealt with a lingering calf strain in training camp and a minor knee issue in preseason. With the team already 7-4 without him, they opted for a cautious return — prioritizing longevity over early-season hype. His debut came against a Jazz team they were favored to beat, making it a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
What’s the significance of Bronny James’ three-pointer?
Bronny’s three-pointer wasn’t just a stat — it was symbolism. He’s the first son to play with his father in NBA history, and now the first to hit a three-pointer alongside him. His presence on the court in the final minutes, especially after his cardiac arrest last year, turned a routine win into a moment of emotional resonance. It’s a milestone that transcends basketball.