Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James couldn’t hide his excitement to return to the floor and play with his teammates after months of rumors about his standing with the team. When the GOAT opted in this summer, it came with a loud message from his agent, Rich Paul. Ever since, there have been experts questioning LeBron’s happiness with the Lakers and what is next. King James is clearly focused on the now.
The Lakers dominated the Jazz in the first game with LeBron this season to move to 11-4. James was seen dancing pregame and smiling throughout the contest. He was clearly happy to be back on the floor for his record-setting 23rd NBA season, and the Lakers were all having fun as a dominant second-half lead led to a blowout victory.
King James made it crystal clear postgame that he is having fun playing for the Lakers, and there are zero chemistry concerns for this squad. As much as the doubters and haters want the rumors to be real, LeBron is happy right where he is.
LeBron James squashed rumors of his unhappiness with the Lakers
James missed the first 14 games of the season, which was new for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. It was clear in his comments that LeBron was happy to be back.
“It was just fun to be out there with the guys. It has been rough mentally for me. This is the first time I’ve started a basketball season and not played. Since I started playing basketball at like nine years old, I’ve never missed the start of a basketball season. Going through that physically, emotionally, and spiritually tested me. Keeping my head down with the work and keeping my head up with faith has gotten me to this point today. There was a lot of joy. Probably saw me smiling and talking a lot on the court today. Just being out there with those guys is so fun.”
He did not stop there. When asked about what he must improve, LeBron pointed to his conditioning before offering this not-so-subtle remark.
“I don’t have to worry about chemistry-wise. This is a great group. Everybody enjoys being around each other, playing for one another, sacrificing for one another.”
James had 12 assists in his debut and only took seven field goal attempts. Luka Doncic finished with 37 points and ten assists. Austin Reaves had 26 points, and Deandre Ayton had a monster 20-point double-double. The Lakers seemed to be enjoying their work and dominated the Jazz.
LeBron wants to play for a contender. The 40-year-old has nothing left to prove. He has won four championships and earned every individual honor imaginable. He wants to finish his career playing at the highest level. James put pressure on the organization to upgrade their roster when he opted in, and it worked. Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia are playing key roles in the team’s success.
Fans can stop worrying about LeBron’s happiness. He wants to play for the Lakers and instantly makes them better. James couldn’t hide his excitement to be back and make an impact on the floor.
The Lakers will only improve from here. James is still getting his conditioning and integrating with this roster. That is a scary thought for the rest of the NBA. The Lakers could be a serious contender and will keep improving.
The Los Angeles Lakers are glad to have LeBron James back on the floor. The 40-year-old was second-team All-NBA last season. He will play a key role in the team’s success again. If the first game was any indication, this could be a special year. Fans certainly won’t want to miss it.