The Lakers beat the Timberwolves 114-110 last night at the Staples Center.
James flirted with a triple double, with the 33-year-old putting up 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
New Lakers signing Tyson Chandler also made his Lakers debut against the Timberwolves, with the centre grabbing nine rebounds in the victory.
The Lakers have struggled defensively this season, with Luke Walton’s men currently second-worst in opponent points per game.
James and co are allowing 119 points per game, with only the Washington Wizards currently harbouring a worse record in the NBA.
And James hailed his Lakers team-mates after beating Minnesota, claiming it’s their best defensive performance of the season so far.
“We defended the whole fourth quarter,” he said.
“They [Timberwolves] made some shots.
“If we get any closer on them we foul them. We did one time, we gave a four-point play up to Jimmy [Butler].
“This is the most we’ve defended for 48 – close to 48 – minutes all year.
“It’s good that we did it against a very good team.”
The Lakers are back in action on Sunday evening against the Sacramento Kings.
NBA results:
Wednesday November 7
Orlando Magic 96-103 Detroit Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers 86-95 Oklahoma City Thunder
Atlanta Hawks 107-112 New York Knicks
Miami Heat 95-88 San Antonio Spurs
New Orleans Pelicans 107-98 Chicago Bulls
Memphis Grizzlies 89-87 Denver Nuggets
Indiana Pacers 94-100 Philadelphia 76ers
Utah Jazz 117-102 Dallas Mavericks
Sacramento Kings 105-114 Toronto Raptors
Los Angeles Lakers 114-110 Minnesota Timberwolves