LeBron James finally made his return from injury but that could not save Los Angeles Lakers from losing on Friday.
The game’s biggest name returned but his presence could not inspire the Lakers to victory over the Sacramento Kings who won 110-106.
James had the a late three-point chance to tie the game but he missed.
He finished his return scoring 16 points on 6-of-12 shots with eight rebounds, seven assists and five turnovers.
But upon his return from the longest absence of his career which saw him miss 20 games, he fumbled.
The 31 minutes he played against the Kings will hold his side in good stead.
And that is ahead of the playoffs which will get underway on May 22.
His first basket didn’t come until there was 1.9 seconds more to play in the first quarter.
It allowed James to break out a mini celebration by bobbing his head.
It also brought a smile to the face of the Lakers forward in his first game since March 20.
James was rusty after missing the last 20 games with a high right ankle sprain he suffered against Atlanta.
And that was when Hawks forward Solomon Hill collided with him on March 20.
James had been out of competitive NBA action for 41 days.
But he and the Lakers declared him fit and ready for action Friday night against the Kings at Staples Center.