Jason Collins has returned to the NBA, becoming the first openly gay player in league history. Collins announced his sexual orientation at the end of last season, but he was a free agent at the time, and no franchise appeared interested in his services - until now.

The 13-year veteran has signed a 10-day contract with his original team, the Nets, who desperately need front-court help. It’s the kind of deal that normally goes unnoticed so late in the campaign but not this time.

The fresh number 46 jersey in the locker room, and then Collins warms up with Brooklyn before their game against the LA Lakers.

The visitors get off to a fast start in the first quarter, and then Paul Pierce backs down Wesley Johnson for the bucket and the foul. Pierce would go on to finish the game with 25 points.

and Collins makes his first appearance a minute and a half into the second Q. The fans at Staples Center give him a standing ovation, as they know it’s a barrier-breaking moment. The first assignment for Collins would be to guard Chris Kayman, and keep him from scoring so 40 ticks later, Collins pokes the ball away from Kayman, and that’s a steal for the Nets,.

But the coach can’t like this turnover by Collins a minute later, when he loses the ball under the basket, and the Lakers head the other way but the big man has always been known for his hustle, and he makes sure to get right back down the floor, where he grabs the rebound after LA’s missed shot. Collins getting the most out of his limited playing time, as always.

Brooklyn still ahead with Collins back on the bench after half-time, but the Lakers aren’t gonna roll over at home. Jody Meeks to Pau Gasol for the inside lay-up. That cuts the deficit to a dozen, and Gasol would end with a team-high 22 points.

The hosts still battling in the fourth, Kayman to Jordan Farmar, who misses the trey, but MarShon Brooks there for the putback, and that’s why they traded for him three days earlier.

But the Nets maintain control as Deron Williams drives in for the tough deuce. "D-Will" with a game-high 30 points, helping Brooklyn win by six. Kidd’s really happy now, and it’s a victorous return to the league for Collins.

"I understand you guys have a job to do, and I do understand that there is significance, but at the same time, there are other athletes. Robbie Rogers, Michael Sam, male athletes who are active. I’m looking forward to the day when Michael gets out there on the football field, and with the Galaxy season coming up pretty soon." Jason Collins, Brooklyn Nets Center, said, "And then female athletes, starting with Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, the list goes on and on, to now with Brittney Griner. All of us, it’s about being an athlete, it’s about going out there and winning and competing."