LeBron James looks healthy in return from an 8-game absence, but Lakers' defensive woes continue in 22-point loss.
LeBron James returned to action Friday night after missing the last eight games with an abdominal injury.
James finished with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes as the Celtics beat the Lakers 130-108.
“I felt OK,″ James said. ”Obviously being out 2 1/2 weeks, I felt kind of like a rookie again, just being away from the game. Excited. Felt good enough that I could trust my body.”
James’ first basket came on a thundering dunk off a drive down the lane 2 ½ minutes into the game.
The Lakers went 3-5 while James was sidelined. They’ve lost their last four road games.
“It’s never 65 games left (in the season),” James said. “We need to play better.”
James, a four-time MVP, has played in just six games for the Lakers this season, averaging 24.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
