Matthew Golden reveals secret to Packers closing out tight wins
The Green Bay Packers have faced their share of adversity through the season’s first five games.
Coughing up a win in come-from-ahead fashion on the road in a last minute heartbreaker against Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns, and needing to scratch and claw to a 40-40 tie in Dallas against the Cowboys to holding off Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals has tested some of Green Bay’s resolve.
Packers leaning on chemistry early in the season
While the Packers have recorded each of Green Bay’s three wins by at least three scores, it’s been the chemistry and cohesion that has helped prevent finger pointing during stretches of games where it feels like a struggle to put teams away.
“The chemistry,” is what rookie receiver Matthew Golden told reporters has been the key in those clutch moments. “We work a lot of things at practice so it’s nothing new to us. Whenever we’re put in those positions, we have the utmost confidence that we can get the job done. It shows whenever we need those important drives, I feel like we get them done every time.”
Golden has become an increasingly significant piece of the puzzle for the Packers’ offense, logging 14 catches for 212 yards since being chosen in the first round of April’s NFL Draft.
The former University of Texas standout is quickly becoming both a favorite target for Jordan Love and one of the quarterback’s security blankets late in games when Green Bay needs a splash to move the chains.
“I feel like we do a great job of making sure we get the small things right,” Golden recently told reporters. “Whenever the time present(s) itself during the game, I feel like we’re all on the same page.”
As the season progresses, and Golden continues to develop, the young receiver’s connection with Love might not be what bails the Packers out when adversity strikes within a game but what propels Green Bay to some blowouts along the way.
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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