LAS VEGAS (AP) – LeBron James watched Lonzo Ball play in Las Vegas during the 2017 NBA Summer League, taking in a Los Angeles Lakers’ game from a baseline seat as a spectator.
He had a better view Wednesday.
James and Ball were on-court teammates for the first time when the Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors, 123-113, back in Las Vegas.
Ball didn’t start the preseason contest, but replaced Rajon Rondo just 2 minutes, 13 seconds into the game.
“It’s just fun to have our full group,” James said.
James and Ball didn’t play very much. Ball has been recovering from a knee issue, and it was his first appearance this preseason.
James didn’t want to burden his new point guard with a lot of expectations, so he was keeping his approach very simple.
“He plays basketball,” James said of Ball before the game. “He knows how to play basketball.”
It was James’ first game against the Warriors since last season’s NBA Finals – when his second stint as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers ended with Golden State sweeping its way to a second consecutive championship. But he downplayed the exhibition being any extension of his rivalry with the Warriors, or the rivalry between the California clubs.
“Preseason game,” James said.
Brandon Ingram scored 26 points for the Lakers, and James had 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 18 minutes — all in the first half.
Stephen Curry had 23 points and Klay Thompson scored 20, including four 3-pointers, for Golden State (1-3).
WIZARDS 102, PISTONS 97
John Wall scored 32 points, including a layup with 1:26 left that put Washington ahead for good.
Wall finished with nine assists and Bradley Beal scored 17 points for the Wizards. Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 17 points and 20 rebounds, and Blake Griffin added 16 points for Detroit.
Markieff Morris scored 15 points and Jason Smith added 14.
