LeBron’s new Lakers journey draws plenty of attention
Los Angeles lose to Denver Nuggets 124-107 in their first preseason game
There was barely any room to move around in the Lakers’ locker room at the Valley View Casino Centre in San Diego.
LeBron James wasn’t even at his locker, but a crowd of camera operators encircled it anyway, snapping photos and videotaping the space where a sweatshirt that read “More than an athlete” hung.
“Excuse me, get away from my locker, please,” James bellowed as he strolled into the room.
The crowed receded a few feet. When James reached his locker he shared a laugh with Joel Berry II, an undrafted rookie who sat two seats away.
The LeBron James era for the Lakers began more than 100 miles south of the team’s arena, with Magic Johnson sitting courtside, relishing the opportunity to finally see the team he built on the court. “It was great to get back on the floor and start a new journey for myself,” James said. “Hearing the Lakers fans that we have here in San Diego, it was a great feeling ■ to go out there and hear the roar from the fans here so I very much appreciate that.”
The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets 124-107 in their first preseason game of the season. They will play the Nuggets again at Staples Centre in Tuesday’s home debut. JaVale McGee led the team with 17 points in 20 minutes. Rajon Rondo dished 11 assists.
James played 15 minutes 20 seconds, more than he expected. He scored nine points, making both of his three-point attempts and two of six shots overall with four assists and three rebounds.
San Diego is a place with some meaning for James. He got married here five years ago. When he emerged from the Lakers tunnel onto the court for warm-ups, the sold-out crowd of 13,565 crescendoed. One fan yelled “at least the eight seed!” to the team in general, referencing what it will take for L.A. to return to the playoffs this year after a five-year drought.
Just as James’ teammates are getting accustomed to playing with him, James is growing more and more familiar with his new reality.