LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers debut ended in defeat as the Portland Trail Blazers ran out 128-119 winners at Moda Center.
Three-time NBA champion James scored 26 points – the second most by a Lakers debutant – in his first regular season game since leaving hometown team the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in the summer.
But it was not enough to prevent the Lakers losing to Portland for the 16th successive meeting as Damian Lillard led the way for the hosts with 28 points.
Before the game, Portland held a moment’s silence for Paul Allen, the franchise’s owner and co-founder of Microsoft who died earlier this week aged 65.
And on the court they extended their winning run in home openers to 19 despite the Lakers making a fast start.
