PORTLAND, Ore. — LeBron James’s debut with the Lakers ran the gamut from electric highlights to head-scratching miscues, but it ended in defeat as history strongly suggested that it would. The Blazers defeated the Lakers 128-119 at the Moda Center on Thursday, winning their 19th straight home opener and 16th straight game against the Lakers.
Here are three quick-hitting thoughts from the world’s first look at James in purple and gold.
James finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, but he did most of his work early, scoring 18 in the first half.