Packers need to overcome big worry against the Cardinals
Back in Week 3, a Packers worst-case scenario emerged that risks becoming a trend.
In Cleveland, the Packers coughed up a lead, and Jordan Love threw an untimely interception late in the fourth quarter that set up a touchdown, a blocked field goal attempt by Green Bay then set the Browns up to split the uprights on their own game-winning try in a 13-10 stunner.
The killer instinct Green Bay lacked that afternoon in Cleveland’s presence has been wildly inconsistent through the first five games of Green Bay’s 2025 campaign.
Packers warned that lingering concern could rear its head vs. Arizona
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Sunday, the Packers fly to Arizona to take on a Cardinals team that can’t seem to get out of its own way, nor stop making costly mental mistakes so far this season.
So, over at Pro Football Focus, NFL analyst Thomas Valentine warns that the Packers playing down to the Cardinals’ level could prove disastrous, based on how that played out for Green Bay earlier this season.
“Not to slight the Cardinals,” Valentine writes for PFF. “But with the line opening at -6.5, the Packers are expected to clean up on Sunday against a Cardinals team that could be missing Kyler Murray again. However, in recent weeks, the Packers have struggled to dispose of opponents in a lower tier, losing to the Browns and scraping by the Bengals in Week 6. The Packers’ 84.5 team PFF grade is fourth in the NFL, and they’ll be hoping to effectively get the job done against a Cardinals group that has lost four straight games.”
Matt LaFleur’s team boasts the more talented roster, and are riding the high of taking down the Bengals last weekend, but if Green Bay gets caught looking ahead to a Week 8 showdown against Aaron Rodgers and the AFC North-leading Steelers by taking the Cardinals lightly, it could be the recipe for a nightmare in the desert.
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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