Lakers, LeBron James Make Historic Announcement, NBA Reacts
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has hailed the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James for making “history” with their new autograph cards.
Topps, the popular trading card company, announced the release of James’ first-ever autographed card in purple and gold colors.
“This is history 💜✍️ LeBron Laker autograph cards are finally here,” the NBA wrote on X.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for fans of James, card collectors and Lakers fans, as “The King” had, surprisingly, not released a licensed card with the Lakers until now. James, who joined the Lakers in 2019, had several autographed cards with the
LeBron James to Miss Season Opener
Even as LeBron James makes history off the court, he will snap a longstanding trend on October 21, missing the Lakers’ 2025-26 season opener against the
James went 8-14 in his previous 22 season-openers and had not won the first game of a season in Lakers colors until the 2024-24 campaign when Los Angeles defeated the
Lakers Begin Luka Doncic Era
With James sidelined until mid-November, the Lakers can fast-track the process of handing the keys to Luka Doncic, their new franchise player. In James’ absence, Doncic will get the opportunity to display leadership qualities and run the offense, unlike last season when he shared the workload with James and
The Lakers are expected to start Gabe Vincent in place of James, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
“I don’t know anything about who I’m going to be starting the rest of the season,”
Redick is focused on the personnel at hand, noting how James’ injury could be “tricky” and his return timeline could be altered.
JJ Redick on LeBron James’ sciatica diagnosis: “You hope he can be back soon. Those things can be tricky.”
Cubs should go after $125 million predicted starter in free agency
The Chicago Cubs have some big decisions to make this offseason. Obviously, the biggest one is what will happen with Kyle Tucker, who, at this point, is not expected to return.
Chicago's starting rotation was very up and down in 2025. On one hand, they found a future star in rookie Cade Horton, and Shota Imanaga also continues to look like an ace. However, Chicago also faced some depth issues that may have held them back in the playoffs.
Dylan Cease predicted to sign $125 million deal
In a recent contract predictions piece by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, Dylan Cease is predicted to sign the ninth-largest free agent deal this offseason:
"Predicted Contract: 5 years, $125 million"
"This contract would put him a tick below the five-year, $136.5 million extension that Tyler Glasnow signed after he was traded to the Dodgers, and those two have comparable profiles as swing-and-miss starters who are ace-level performers when everything is clicking."
For the Cubs, who aren't known as huge offseason spenders, this would be a big splash to make, but it would also be a very welcome addition to their starting rotation.
Cease made 32 starts this season, which is pretty much the maximum, and posted a 4.55 ERA, but also struck out 215 hitters in 168 innings. Some of the underlying numbers suggest that Cease was unlucky.
The San Diego Padres are still likely the frontrunner to re-sign Cease, but Chicago should consider targeting him and entering a bidding war with other MLB teams.
