LeBron James debuts with Lakers in 2018 season opener against Trail Blazers
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 4:00 PM
Last updated Aug 10, 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.
- 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James' greatest games with the Lakers: First return to Miami
- 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James' greatest games with the Lakers: First triple-double
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron's James' greatest games with the Lakers: His team debut in 2018
"When LeBron James returned to Miami for the first time as a member of the Lakers, he delivered a gem of a performance.
"A look back at LeBron James' first regular-season game with the Lakers in 2018.
"A look back at LeBron James' first triple-double as a member of the Lakers.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 4:00 PMLeBron James' greatest games with the Lakers: First return to Miami
When LeBron James returned to Miami for the first time as a member of the Lakers, he delivered a gem of a performance.
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 4:01 PMLeBron James' greatest games with the Lakers: First triple-double
A look back at LeBron James' first triple-double as a member of the Lakers.
- Yahoo SportsAug 6, 2026, 6:00 PMLeBron'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.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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