The NBA season tipped off on Tuesday night, with the Oklahoma City Thunder edging the Houston Rockets 125-124 in double overtime and the Golden State Warriors defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109.
Los Angeles was without star forward LeBron James, who is expected to miss the first several games of the season due to sciatica. His absence was clearly felt in the team's performance.
Luka Doncic erupted for 43 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, while Austin Reaves added 26 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Beyond those two, the Lakers received little production.
After the game, Reaves made a head-turning comment to reporters about James' absence and his potential retirement, which many expect could happen sooner rather than later as James approaches his 41st birthday in December.
“If I was LeBron James, I probably would’ve retired by now,” Reaves said, likely just highlighting just how remarkable it is that James has maintained such a high level of play entering his 23rd NBA season - the longest in NBA history.
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While some NBA fans questioned the intentionality behind Reaves' comment, especially given it came after a game in which James was out with an injury, the importance of having James healthy and on the court was undeniable against the Warriors.
Outside of Doncic and Reaves, who combined for 69 of the Lakers' 109 points, only one other player scored in double figures was Deandre Ayton, who scored 10 points.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick went nine players deep all night, but the bench combined for just 18 points. In 28 minutes as a starter, Gabe Vincent tallied only three points and one assist on 1-for-4 shooting.
Los Angeles will return to action on Friday night, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10 p.m. EST.
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