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.