Basketball: NBA hotshot lives up to pre-debut hype

LeBron James lived up to the hype yesterday with a spectacular NBA debut that included 25 points and nine assists, but no victory.

James' efforts were not enough to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers, who suffered a 106-92 defeat against the Kings in Sacramento.

High school phenomenon James, the top overall pick in the draft, who received US$100 million ($165.23 million) in endorsements before ever taking the court, was making the most scrutinised debut in NBA history.

James made 12 of 20 shots, knocking down tough jumpers and sinking acrobatic layups. He threw alley-oop passes for dunks and showed poise well beyond his years.