After debuting for the Lakers on Sunday, Lebron James played at the Staple Center for the first time on Tuesday, completing 13 points, three rebounds and two steals in 15 minutes.
As the preseason game versus the Nuggets began, James could be seen watching the Cavaliers play on TV while in his locker room. Moments later, the 33-year-old made his debut at Staples Center to a standing ovation and cheers from 18,997 fans.
“The turnout was great,” James said. And the atmosphere was amazing. Definitely appreciated by all of us in here that they came out to a preseason game like this. And we just tried to give them a good show, which we did, all the way down to the last possession.
The Nuggets won Tuesday’s game 113-111. The Lakers had the chance to steal a last-minute win, but rookie Isaac Bonga passed up an open shot, allowing Denver to beat LA for the second time this year.
For many fans, the preseason game was not about who wins. It was the first day James would be playing at the Staple Center, and they arrived much earlier to witness the King play. In the 15 minutes James played, he did his best to excite the fans, even though he wasn’t very successful at times.
While they didn’t win, the Lakers displayed a different type of game on Tuesday. Their passes were flawless, and everyone was in a mood to make an assist. Rondo was splendid, logging 11 points and drilling three 3-point attempts. By the end of the game, the team managed 28 assists on 43 field goals.
