The Los Angeles Lakers got a big break when LeBron James made his season debut after sitting out the first 14 games with sciatica. But even with James back, it was Luka Doncic who led the way in Tuesday's 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz with 37 points while shooting 11 for 22. Despite that, Colin Cowherd broke down the Batman-Robin angle that James was a sidekick to Doncic, noting that the veteran has always been the leader, and this is unfamiliar territory for the veteran.
"LeBron’s never been a true Robin. He’s always been Batman on almost every night of his career. He’s not setting for 7 shots."@colincowherd reacts to LeBron's season debut in the Lakers win over the Jazz pic.twitter.com/nNwrzlclV1
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) November 19, 2025
James was efficient in his return, scoring 11 points while shooting 4-of-7 with three rebounds and 12 assists. Additionally, his assists set an NBA record, making him the oldest player to record a double-double. That is not the only record he broke. James officially passed Reggie Miller on the all-time 3-pointer list.
Although Doncic was the star of the show, James' return showed that he can still do a lot of good in the offense. As Cowherd noted, James might not be happy with only seven shots in a game. Regardless, the Lakers pulled off a major win over a bad defensive team in Utah. Cowherd added that this is the first time in James' career that he is the second-best player on his own team.
Doncic has been great for the Lakers this season, averaging 34.6 points per game. It has been the best start to a season in his career, shooting 47.2 percent from the field. In addition to Doncic, the Lakers have gotten great work out of Austin Reaves, who is averaging 28.1 points per game.
Doncic gelled well with James, taking the lead when the Lakers needed him to, and putting this game out of reach in the fourth quarter. Whether this continues remains to be seen. However, the Lakers may have found something with Doncic and Reaves leading them. It may be something new for James, but this could be the first time he plays second fiddle in an offense, and it may pay dividends down the line.


















