Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — After a hot start, LeBron James’ first game as a Los Angeles Laker ended in a loss, but not one that has the superstar worried.
James opened the game with a pair of jaw-dropping dunks in a 19-second span. And though he scored 26 points and added 12 rebounds and six assists, the Lakers dropped their season opener to the Portland Trail Blazers, 128-119. Asked how long it will take for the team’s chemistry to develop, James said simply “not as fast as you guys think it’s going to happen.”
“I always kind of compare it to like instant oatmeal,” James continued. “It is not that fast. It takes a while to get to where you can close your eyes and know exactly where your guys are.”
James is no stranger to teams that take time to gel. When he joined the Miami Heat in 2010, Miami struggled to a 9-8 start despite three of the league’s best players. And his return to Cleveland in 2014 saw the Cavaliers open the season by losing 20 of their first 39 games.
James’ teams made the NBA Finals in each of the last eight seasons — including his first years in Miami and his return to Cleveland.
The Lakers don’t catch a break in game two, facing the Houston Rockets and James Harden.
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