Luka Dončić honestly evaluates the debut of LeBron James at the age of 23

In the middle Los Angeles LakersStrong start to the 2025-26 season, a portion of the Lakers fan base believed they could finally move on from lebron james now that Luka Dončić is the number one option on this list. But that was folly; James remains a brilliant player who can change shape depending on the needs of his team. On Tuesday, with Doncic firing on all cylinders, James took a bit of a backseat in his first game back from injury, finishing with just 11 points but contributing a game-high 12 assists in a 140-125 win over the Utah Jazz.

James missed the first 14 games of the Lakers’ season with sciatica, a nerve problem in his back, and he’s already 40 years old, so it will take him some time to get back into shape. Nevertheless, Dončić, who finished with 37 points, five rebounds and 10 assists in the winning performance, gave his superstar teammate much deserved flowers because they fit perfectly into the Lakers’ lineup.

“He’s great. It’s been a long time since he’s played basketball, so I think he looked amazing for the first game. He’ll continue to get into a rhythm and help us a lot,” Doncic told Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudel in a postgame interview.

“He looked amazing in the first game… He will help us a lot.”

Luka Dončić on LeBron James’ return to action 🗣

(via @SpectrumSN)pic.twitter.com/a7IBcmdMTC

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 19, 2025

James played 30 minutes, but lacked a little burst in some of his attacks. This is understandable, as he is older than ever and his fitness is not yet in top form. But the Lakers, already a team to be reckoned with to start the new campaign, are about to get better with the return of arguably the greatest player of all time.

LeBron James gives up on his teammates in the Lakers’ win over the Jazz

James finished sixth in MVP voting last year and made the All-NBA second team. He remains so brilliant even though he is in the twilight of his career. And now, he can take the backseat without the team suffering because he now has Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the Lakers’ offense, freeing him up to do more of the little things that will help them succeed.

It was on Tuesday his playmaking that helped the Lakers the most. He lost 12 dinars, including six in the fourth quarter alone, and his selflessness and basketball IQ will take this team to an even higher level.