LeBron James returned for the first time in over a month for the Los Angeles Lakers, but the return did not end with a win.
James had an impressive 16 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in his return, but the Lakers lost 110-106 at Staples Center to Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
James showed rust. In the first quarter, He threw a pass that almost hit a referee before going out of bounds.
He committed two late-game turnovers as the Lakers trailed by double digits. And he missed an open 3-pointer that could have been the game-winning shot.
It was the most time James has missed in his career because of injuries. “I’m happy I’m playing
“It was horrible, honestly, for me,” James said of his absence. “I was more stressful than I’ve ever been.”
Meanwhile, James made some immediate impact, having finished with 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 32 minutes.
“I thought he looked great,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “I was very encouraged with how he looked.”
James return from an ankle remains a huge boost for the Lakers, who have lost five of their last six games.
The Lakers also have only a one-game cushion over the Portland Trail Blazers (35-28), who are ranked seventh in the Western Conference.
