The NBA preseason kicked off in San Diego for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, and LeBron James played his first game in a purple and gold jersey. James and the Lakers faced off against the Denver Nuggets, a team that will also be contending to make the playoffs this year. Although the Lakers would ultimately lose 124-107, James did give fans a flash of what they can expect during the upcoming season.
The Lakers started Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram, LeBron James, and JaVale McGee. Rondo and McGee made their first appearance in Lakers jerseys as well. In the first half, James put up 9 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in fifteen minutes. Brandon Ingram, a young up-and-coming star for Los Angeles, completed the first half with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, displaying his competitive spirit. James ended the game after his first-half play, and Kyle Kuzma took over his position in the third quarter.
The Nuggets and Lakers will face off in the preseason once again on Tuesday. After that, LA will play the Sacramento Kings, LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors (x2), Portland Trailblazers, and Houston Rockets. This will be an interesting year for Lakers fans, and also for LeBron fans.