LeBron James loses on 20th anniversary of NBA debut, Victor Wembanyama beaten in first Spurs away game

LeBron James was not able to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his NBA debut with a win, as his Los Angeles Lakers side went down to a 132-127 overtime defeat at the Sacramento Kings.

The landmark occasion was poignant for the basketball legend, as his first appearance in the league was also in Sacramento as an 18-year-old back in 2003.

The Kings reportedly left James a bottle of wine and a picture of that game from two decades ago in his locker.

James finished this match with a double-double, recording 27 points and 15 rebounds, but the Kings’ Malik Monk was the difference maker, scoring 11 of his 22 points in overtime to see his side over the line, while Kevin Huerter landed a three-pointer with just over 30 seconds to play.

De’Aaron Fox top-scored with 37 points for the Kings, with Anthony Davis scoring 30 for the Lakers.

“It’s pretty cool when you look at it,” said James, whose first basket cut the Kings lead to 7-6 - exactly the same as when he made his debut against the same opposition 20 years ago.

“It’s when I started my career, and being at Arco Arena at the time, lots of memories. It’s special and I’m still doing it.”

Teenage French sensation Victor Wembanyama lost in his first away game for the San Antonio Spurs, beaten 123-83 at the LA Clippers.

The 7'4" centre clocked 11 points, but Kawhi Leonard top-scored for the Clippers with 21 in the final 28 minutes to help his side to victory.

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