LOS ANGELES -- Lakers star LeBron James made his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, taking the court to begin a league-record 23rd season.

The 40-year-old James was sidelined for the first 14 games of the season with sciatica, a nerve issue that affected his lower back and down the right side of his body.

With his start against the Jazz on Tuesday he became the first NBA player in history to play in 23 seasons, breaking a tie with Vince Carter.

James returned to practice with the team Monday, joining his Lakers teammates for his first 5-on-5 action with them since L.A.'s first-round exit from the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in April.

James' return comes after a rehabilitation assignment with the G League's South Bay Lakers last week while L.A. was on a

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