LOS ANGELES – Paul George was far from having an efficient shooting night. However, the 76ers forward was pleased with his overall performance.

“Tonight was the best I felt when I could be myself,” he said after Friday’s 116-106 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. “I think I felt normal again in terms of rhythm.

‘I know there was no shooting. But I’m not really worried about that. I think this is more the case when you get to the right places, can play and create.”

» READ MORE: Sixers takeaways: Yabusele’s spark and poor perimeter defense highlight Lakers loss

Those are the areas in which the nine-time All-Star wants to excel. George is confident he can make shots.

He finished with nine points on 4-of-13 shooting while missing all six of his 3-point attempts in his third game back due to a left knee contusion. He also finished with a season-high eight assists and zero turnovers. This comes after George had six and four turnovers against the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, respectively, in his first two games back.

But the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder has struggled to make baskets in two of his three games. He scored 15 points on 4-for-14 shooting in Monday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns. George rebounded by making 7 of 9 shots and scored 18 points in Wednesday’s setback against the Clippers before returning to some tough shooting on Friday.

“He obviously had a rough night, right,” coach Nick Nurse said. ‘I thought he looked decent. I thought he had a few drives. I thought he was quite confused. … He shot two free throws. I thought he probably could have gotten on the line there a few more times.

“He passed the ball quite well again. I think he’s quite offensive to other people. But then again, I think it’s still a little rusty. I think he would probably say that himself.”

» READ MORE: Paul George faces the challenge of guiding the struggling, undermanned Sixers through a rough stretch

George was limited to 24 minutes and 57 seconds. He thinks he can play normal minutes within a few games. But for now, he’s usually on the field for six minutes before being taken off.

“It’s a challenge,” George said. “You know you have to get going and be immersed and try to find it again. So just try to sort it all out.”