Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James made his preseason debut on Sunday ahead of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. After sitting out the Lakers’ first preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, LeBron suited up for the highly anticipated matchup against the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California.
LeBron was part of the Lakers’ regular starting lineup, which is expected to lead the team into the upcoming season. Energized from the opening tip, LeBron made an impact on both ends of the floor. It didn’t take long for him to send social media into a frenzy with a highlight-reel defensive play.
Less than four minutes into the game, LeBron pulled off a phenomenal defensive stop, showing no signs of slowing down in his 22nd NBA season. As Suns star Devin Booker drove into the paint seemingly unchallenged, it looked like he had an easy layup.
However, LeBron read the play perfectly and showcased his remarkable athleticism by rejecting Booker’s shot with a thunderous block, sending the ball flying into the third row.
Watch the video here:
LeBron played 7:40 minutes in the first quarter and scored four points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field, including 0-of-1 from the three-point range. The 39-year-old also recorded one rebound, two assists and two blocks in the opening period.
LeBron James delivered an outstanding performance in the second quarter, continuing to lead the Lakers’ charge. After contributing four points in the first half, LeBron exploded for 15 points in the second period. T
he four-time NBA Finals MVP went 6-of-8 from the field, including a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.
Overall, LeBron finished with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. In just 16 minutes and 20 seconds of play, the 39-year-old also tallied five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
During the second quarter, LeBron also made history alongside his son Bronny James as they became the first father-son duo to share the court in NBA history.
After putting on a dazzling display in the first half, the Lakers superstar took no further part in the game. LeBron sat out the entire second half and watched the action unfold from the bench.
