LeBron James debuts with Lakers in 2018 season opener against Trail Blazers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
LeBron James made his regular-season debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18, 2018, facing the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland. He recorded 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, highlighting his performance with two impressive dunks. Despite his strong showing, the Lakers struggled with their outside shooting, finishing the game with just seven successful three-pointers out of thirty attempts and ultimately lost 128-119. This game marked the beginning of James' impactful tenure with the Lakers, during which he helped lead the team to an NBA championship in 2020.
- •LeBron scored 26 points in his Lakers debut.
- •The game took place at Moda Center in Portland.
- •Lakers missed all 12 three-point attempts in the first half.
- •Los Angeles lost three straight games to start the season.
- •James would later lead the Lakers to win the NBA championship in 2020.
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron's James' greatest games with the Lakers: His team debut in 2018
"A look back at LeBron James' first regular-season game with the Lakers in 2018.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NBA•Aug 6, 2026, 6:55 PMMac McClung begins international career after winning pair of G League MVP awards, 3 NBA Slam Dunk Contests
- NBA•Aug 6, 2026, 6:32 PM‘He Stuck Around Too Long’ – NBA GM Issues Harsh Reality Check on LeBron James’ 76ers Move
NBA•Aug 6, 2026, 5:50 PMIs KD delusional? Draymond's future, state of the Bucks & Kings + why Blazers fans are right to worry- NBA•Aug 6, 2026, 5:42 PMLakers predicted to trade $7M historic guard for ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga
- NBA•Aug 6, 2026, 5:31 PMCavaliers reportedly in bidding war with Bucks, Clippers for $11M athletic 3-and-D NBA champion
- NBA•Aug 6, 2026, 5:14 PMFormer Duck Dillon Brooks reaches $73 million extension with Suns
