The NBA did the Los Angeles Lakers a favor with their early regular-season slate, gifting them the opportunity to jump out to a hot start. Even better, it could help them avoid dealing with an unhappy LeBron James.
Things already aren't the best in LeBron's world after LA didn't approach him with an extension offer this summer, so he's entering the final season of his contract. There was drama this offseason, with plenty of speculation that LeBron could ask out before the 2025-26 season. The problem with that is it's not easy to trade a player who will make $52.6 million in one season.
The Lakers expect the superstar to be at training camp, so for now, all is quiet on the LeBron front. That could change, though. Los Angeles isn't in championship-or-bust mode, but the Lakers are still contenders. LeBron wants to win a title before he retires, and he can do that in LA.
Stacking up wins at the beginning of the season will be one way to keep LeBron happy.
NBA did LeBron James and Lakers a favor with early season schedule
Five of Los Angeles' first 16 games will be against what you would call challenging opponents: Oct. 21 against Golden State, Oct. 24 against Minnesota, Oct. 29 at Minnesota, Nov. 5 against San Antonio, and Nov. 12 at Oklahoma City. The final four games in that stretch are against New Orleans, Milwaukee, and Utah (twice). That could turn into a four-game winning streak for the Lakers.
LA could make an early statement and pull off a few wins against its more challenging opponents, starting the season with big wins over the Warriors and Timberwolves. Upsetting the Thunder would be huge, too.
Winning translates off the court, especially in LeBron's case. He may not be the Lakers' top priority anymore, but that doesn't mean the organization cast him aside. Luka Doncic made it clear that he doesn't want to wait to win a title. He got a taste of what winning a championship could be like in 2024, and he wants to return to that stage.
LeBron and Luka are at different points in their career, but they share the same common goal. Believe it or not (there are doubters out there), but that duo can win a championship together.
Why not get the ball rolling early with some wins? Talk about a win-win situation for LeBron and the Lakers — literally.