LeBron James begins his record 23rd NBA season with stellar playmaking in Lakers’ win over Jazz

James, who was absent for the Lakers' first 14 games of the season due to injury, had never missed a season opener since he started playing organised basketball three decades ago

LeBron James is yet to decide if he will play next season. Pic: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

LeBron James certainly didn’t look like he had been away from an NBA court for nearly seven months when he began his unprecedented 23rd season Tuesday night — even if his burning lungs told him otherwise.

After reaching another landmark in what is now officially the longest career in league history, James was not at all surprised to return from his lengthy injury absence by fitting in seamlessly with the surging Los Angeles Lakers in yet another victory.