LeBron James’ short but fun Lakers debut and 6 more things from start of NBA preseason

LeBron James made his Lakers debut Sunday night, and if he didn’t have the respect of the Los Angeles faithful before, his no-look bounce pass to Brandon Ingram in the first quarter definitely did the trick.

James only played 15 minutes, the Lakers visibly better every millisecond he was on the floor. His debut was the embodiment of preseason basketball: a teaser, a taste of what’s to come when the regular season starts Oct. 17. And LeBron broke down what he thought of his team’s performance after the game.

“We’re just trying to move the ball, share the ball, get the ball from side to side,” he said. “Communicating defensively, flying around, gang rebounding. We did give up some offensive rebounds early on in the first half and if we clean those up, we can get out in transition. But our pace was good and our space was good.”

Preseason basketball is full of those moments. It’s not beautiful ball, but it’s a reminder this thing is coming back, and soon. Things like Petty Rajon Rondo at the foul line will never get old.

This roster isn’t ideal. It’s not superstar laden like Magic Johnson envisioned, nor is it flooded with shooters who typically make life easier for LeBron. It’s The King and his apprentices: playmakers (Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Lonzo Ball), young guys (Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart) and others who’ll have to get in where they fit in.

JaVale McGee said playing with so many passers is “amazing. I just go out there and feel like I’m at a buffet in Vegas. They’re willing to pass and I’m willing to go to the rim and dunk that thing,”

There’s no telling what this team can or can’t accomplish this season. But if we learned anything from the Lakers’ opener, it’s that they’ll be fun to watch, win or lose.

Somebody’s breath must be real hot.

The headlines don’t do this rookie justice. Luka Doncic went third overall behind Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley in this year’s draft, and the Mavs did open their preseason against the Beijing Ducks — not an NBA team.

But damn, did Doncic look like a steal or what? He wears No. 77 and is the size of someone who should be wearing No. 77 on a football field. Yet he dribbles with the grace and craft of a 6’4” guard.

Again, yes, he did this against competition from Beijing, not the States. This was the biggest question about him coming into the league: he played against European competition. But Euroleague competition is better than the NCAA, and Doncic dominated overseas.

He and Dennis Smith Jr. have already become fast friends, playing pickup together during the offseason. This could be really good for the Mavericks, which could in turn be really bad for the rest of the league — and even worse for the Hawks, depending on how Trae Young pans out.

Of course Curry comes out in his first game and hits three threes in the first quarter. That makes sense, right?

Warriors in six. Don’t ask me any questions.

Steph and Ayesha Curry really chased down an ice cream truck for some sandwiches. It’s still ice cream weather in cities outside of New York?

Doesn’t matter if it’s preseason, training camp, regular season, playground, YMCA, your son’s backyard, a hoop in a pool, or a milk crate with the bottom cut out. If there’s a ball and a basket, Kyrie Irving is going to get them.

Okafor signed a one-year deal with the Pelicans, and after a summer of getting his body right, he looked good in his debut.

Is that defense?! OK, maybe it’s just a little.

But then Okafor injured his right ankle and needed crutches and a walking boot to exit the arena.

The guy can’t catch a break, and if anyone deserves one, it’s him. Jah has been freed. Hopefully he gets better soon.

This isn’t vintage D-Rose, but if this version of the 2011 MVP can be consistent, maybe he can see a career revival in Minnesota.

And leave it to JaVale McGee to fall for one of Nikola Jokic’s post fakes.

It’s only been three days and we’ve got all this basketball action already. The regular seasons starts in two weeks. See you there.