LeBron James will play at Staples Center as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time Tuesday evening in a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets.
James scored nine points in 15 minutes, 20 seconds, all in the first half, in his debut with the Lakers, a 124-107 loss to Denver on Sunday in San Diego.
James made two of six shots, both 3-point baskets, and three of four free throws in the preseason opener for both teams. He pulled down three rebounds and had three assists and one turnover.
The Lakers outscored Denver by one point while James was on the court.
“It was great to get back on the floor, just start a new journey for myself,” James said. “It was a great feeling to go out there and here the roar from the fans here.”
James said he “played a little bit more than expected and I felt pretty good.”
Guard Lonzo Ball will miss his second consecutive game, coach Luke Walton said. He underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to his left knee on July 17.