LeBron James labelled team-mate Brandon Ingram as a ‘special talent’ after the LA Lakers recorded their first preseason win by seeing off the Sacramento Kings.

James managed 18 points as he played for half the game and Ingram hit 31 as the Lakers claimed a 128-123 win.

LA will still have concerns over their defensive play and they conceded too many fouls, but James felt the performance of 21-year-old Ingram, who is gearing up for his third season in the NBA, was a huge positive for his team.

“I think he was great all game, not just in the second half,” James told reporters.

“His pace, his ability to play the point and play the wing, he’s a very special talent and we’re definitely happy to have him on our side.”

On his own performance, he said: “Tonight I felt really, really good. You know, you see the ball go through the rim when you get to the free-throw line, and it makes you even more and more comfortable offensively.”

The Lakers missed out on the playoffs last season but James’ arrival during the off-season from Cleveland Cavaliers has raised expectations and they are 12.00 to win the NBA Finals.

Golden State Warriors are the 1.53 favourites and Boston Celtics can be backed at 7.00.