LeBron James recorded his first victory as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night in Phoenix, as the 33-year-old led the purple and gold to a 131-113 victory over the Suns.
James, who nearly recorded a triple-double despite sitting the entirety of the fourth quarter, finished with 19 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 28 minutes on the court.
With the win, the Lakers improved to 1-3 for the 2018-19 season.
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In addition to James, Lakers center JaVale McGee had a standout performance and recorded 20 points on 8-13 shooting from the field, including a made three-pointer. More in character, McGee recorded four blocks in 26 minutes on the court.
All five Lakers' starters finished scoring in double figures, and all 10 Lakers to feature on the court recorded at least one assist to highlight the balanced offensive display Luke Walton's men put on in Arizona.
Off the bench, Lance Stephenson continued his strong start to the season with a team-high 23 points, along with eight rebounds and eight assists in 25 minutes. The former Indiana Pacer made 10 of his 14 field goal attempts on the night.
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was moved to the bench to provide sophomore Josh Hart a starting spot, was the only other Lakers' reserve to score in double figures on the night.
For the Suns, Devin Booker led the way with 23 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, and rookie Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Next, the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on Thursday night.
Notes: Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo remain suspended for a brawl involving Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul. Rondo will miss Thursday's game, while Ingram will sit out the next two games.
