LeBron, Bronny James, 3 More Out as Lakers Finish Preseason
The Los Angeles Lakers will have their final tune-up before the regular season when they face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night — a de facto dress rehearsal for JJ Redick’s new-look roster as they prepare for next week’s season opener.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, nearly the entire Lakers roster will be available except for LeBron James (sciatica), Bronny James (ankle), rookie Adou Thiero (knee), and training camp invitees Chris Mañon (ankle) and Augustus Marčiulionis (foot).
James, who turns 41 in December, will miss the start of the season and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, according to
“The Lakers and LeBron are looking at around mid-November as a realistic debut for him,” Charania said on NBA Countdown before the Lakers’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. “A source told me [Wednesday night], LeBron will be taking a patient approach with his rehab.”
LeBron’s Absence Creates Early-Season Uncertainty
But while James is sidelined, his absence has left the team searching for rhythm after an uneven preseason.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,”
McMenamin’s remarks, combined with the Lakers’ 1-4 preseason record, have rekindled speculation about James’ future in Los Angeles, especially as he enters the final year of his $52.6 million expiring contract.
Trade Buzz Resurfaces Amid Injury and Uncertainty
According to Bovada, the Dallas Mavericks are the betting favorites to acquire James before the February 2026 NBA trade deadline, listed at -120 odds. Trailing far behind are the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350), Golden State Warriors (+450), and New York Knicks (+550). James’ former team, the Miami Heat, are tied with the Phoenix Suns at +900.
The Lakers have already shifted their long-term focus, handing Luka Dončić a three-year, $165 million extension this offseason to make him the franchise cornerstone for the future.
Dončić Era Takes Shape as Lakers Struggle for Rhythm

Los Angeles enters Friday’s finale with a 1-4 preseason record, with Dončić appearing in just one game after leading Slovenia to the EuroBasket quarterfinals. Friday’s matchup will mark only his second preseason outing ahead of next week’s season opener against the Warriors.
“This is his team now,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on Friday’s NBA Today. “Until LeBron comes back, he’s got the ball in his hand. The Lakers are his future, his present. They’ve got to step up collectively and learn how to play with Luka.”
Shelburne added that Dončić still needs time to build chemistry with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart, all key offseason additions aimed at giving the Lakers more versatility and toughness.
JJ Redick Plans for LeBron and Non-LeBron Lineups
With James sidelined, first-year head coach JJ Redick has been experimenting with rotations that prepare the team to play both with and without their veteran leader.
“Yeah, that’s something that’s certainly crossed my mind in the last couple of days,” Redick told reporters last week when asked about developing separate ‘LeBron’ and ‘non-LeBron’ units.
The Lakers’ preseason finale will offer a final look at those lineups — and perhaps a glimpse into how Los Angeles might look in a post-LeBron era.
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The NFL world has been thrown into turmoil after multiple reports confirmed that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has donated $7 million to support the “Turning Point USA Halftime Show”
The donation — one of the largest private contributions ever linked to a non-league event — has sparked a
A Move That Shook the NFL
According to insiders, Jones’s donation will help fund the upcoming
Jones’s support immediately sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with reactions ranging from praise to outrage.
“This isn’t about money — it’s about message,” said one league insider. “Jerry Jones has never been afraid to make bold moves, but this one could change how the NFL handles entertainment partnerships forever.”
Turning Point’s “All-American Halftime” — and Its Cultural Agenda
Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show is set to feature artists who “honor God, country, and American values,” according to promotional materials. Early leaks suggest the lineup could include country music stars, military tributes, and family-friendly performances — a stark contrast to the flashy pop spectacles of recent years.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, praised Jones’s involvement in a recent speech:
“Jerry Jones understands what’s at stake in America. He believes our traditions matter — that patriotism and faith belong at center stage again.”
However, critics argue that the project blurs the line between entertainment and political ideology. Several sports journalists have called the move “an unprecedented politicization of football,” warning that it could divide fans along partisan lines.
Social Media Erupts: Applause and Outrage
Within hours of the news breaking, social media exploded. Hashtags like #JerryJones, #TurningPointShow, and #KeepPoliticsOutOfFootball began trending across X (formerly Twitter).
Supporters of the Cowboys owner hailed the donation as an act of patriotism:
“Finally, someone in the NFL standing up for traditional values! Jerry Jones is putting America first!” one fan posted.
But critics were equally vocal:
“Football should unite us, not become a political battlefield. This is a dangerous precedent,” wrote another.
Even some Cowboys players reportedly expressed surprise over the move, privately questioning whether it aligns with the team’s image of unity and inclusivity.
The NFL’s Uneasy Silence
So far, the
A senior executive, speaking anonymously, warned that “any crossover or perceived endorsement could raise concerns about neutrality.”
For now, the league appears to be treading carefully, aware that the Cowboys remain one of its most valuable and visible franchises — and that Jerry Jones is among its most powerful figures.
Political Fallout — and What Comes Next
The controversy comes amid growing tension over cultural messaging in sports. In recent years, debates around anthem protests, diversity campaigns, and halftime performances
Jones’s donation now places him directly at the center of that cultural storm.
Political analyst Ryan Walters
“This is bigger than football. It’s about who gets to define American culture — Hollywood, or people like Jerry Jones and Charlie Kirk.”
Meanwhile, Turning Point USA has announced plans to expand its halftime project into a full-scale national tour — reportedly with Jones’s donation funding much of its early production.
Jerry Jones Speaks Out
In a brief statement shared through his representatives, Jones defended his decision:
“This isn’t about politics — it’s about pride. I believe in this country, its families, and its traditions. That’s something worth supporting.”
Still, his words have done little to cool the heated discussion online, where fans, journalists, and political commentators continue to clash over the implications of one of the most controversial donations in sports history.
A Defining Moment for Football and America
As the NFL season rolls on, the spotlight on Jerry Jones has never been brighter. Whether his $7 million donation will inspire similar acts of “value-driven sponsorship” or spark tighter league oversight remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: the Cowboys’ billionaire owner has once again proven he’s not afraid to challenge the establishment — or redefine what it means to be American in the world of sports.
“Faith. Freedom. Family. Those are things worth fighting for,” Jones said.