NBA Notes: Lakers, LeBron James, Pistons, Cade Cunningham, Celtics

Lakers

LeBron James made his season debut and helped the Lakers beat the Jazz 140-126 on Tuesday night, officially beginning his 23rd NBA season — the most in league history.

James finished with 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in 30 minutes. He also pushed his streak of double-digit scoring games to 1,293, extending a run that dates back to January of 2007.

“He played with the right spirit,” coach JJ Redick said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Shams Charania. “Very unselfish, didn’t force anything, took what was there. He made a lot of great decisions. Really good to have him back.”

James missed the first 14 games with sciatica on his right side but showed little rust.

His playmaking in the second half helped the Lakers pull away, and Redick praised the group’s poise in closing time.

James ramped up last week with the G League’s South Bay Lakers before returning to full practice on Monday.

He entered the night 50 games behind Robert Parish for most games played and passed Reggie Miller for No. 6 on the all-time made threes list.

Pistons

Cade Cunningham returned from a bruised hip and delivered 25 points and 10 assists as the Pistons stretched their win streak to 11, beating the Hawks 120-112.

Detroit is now 13-2, its best start since opening 15-2 in 2005-06.

Jalen Duren added 24 points, while Duncan Robinson knocked down three early threes to give the Pistons a spark after beating Indiana the night before.

Cunningham became the first Piston ever to put up at least 25 points and 10 assists in five straight games played.

Detroit also holds the league’s longest winning streak and its longest run since the 2007-08 season.

Celtics

Jaylen Brown scored 29, Payton Pritchard added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and the Celtics moved above .500 with a 113-99 win over the Nets.

Boston is now 8-7, picking up its third straight victory.

Derrick White added 15 points. The Celtics played Brooklyn even for about three quarters before clamping down and allowing just one basket in the first 10 minutes of the fourth.

Boston opened the season 0-3, battled back to even, slipped again, and finally crossed back above .500 following Sunday’s win over the Clippers.

The Celtics and Nets meet again Friday night in Boston.