NBA news: LeBron James’ absence looms large as LA Lakers fall against Golden State Warriors in opener
The Los Angeles Lakers opened their 2025/26 season on a disappointing note, falling 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors, reports Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
Missing from the court was LeBron James, who sat out due to a sciatica flare-up. The absence was historic, marking the first time in his 23-year career that he missed a season opener.
Coach JJ Redick admitted that playing without the team’s veteran leader was no easy task. “There were definitely moments where I wished LeBron was out there,” he said after the game.
The Lakers, now under the shared leadership of Redick and Luka Doncic, will have to navigate several weeks without their most experienced player, who is expected to remain sidelined until mid-November.
NBA’s Latest Innovations Will Boost the Global Profile of the Sport
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has launched an all-new NBA App and the reimagined NBA TV, which will offer non-stop basketball content to ensure fans keep up with all the action.
The new multi-platform streaming will be available to basketball fans in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and countries across the world.
NBA news: 2025/26 season predictions and betting tips
The 2025/26 NBA season tips off this week, which means it’s time for the tribalistic optimism that lasts until 0-2 to begin.
Every fan base thinks this is their year, and every GM is pretending that a mid-level signing has fixed all of their problems.
Half these predictions will age like milk; the rest might win you a beer. Either way, I’ll be here in April pretending I knew it all along.
Join Sports News Blitz’s George Dempsey as he runs the rule over the 2025/26 NBA season and offers up 10 betting predictions.
LeBron James injury update: LA Lakers star to miss NBA 2025/26 season start with nerve issue
LeBron James is set to miss the start of the 2025/26 NBA season after sustaining an injury.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo looks at how the Los Angeles Lakers are handling their star’s recovery and what his absence means for the team’s early-season outlook.
NBA news: LeBron James’ ‘Second Decision’ leaves fans divided
Stephen A. Smith did not hold back when reacting to LeBron James’ latest viral moment.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo breaks down the reactions to LeBron’s viral Hennessy campaign.
NBA news: LeBron James hints at future uncertainty at LA Lakers media day
LeBron James struck a balance between optimism and ambiguity as he faced the media ahead of his 23rd NBA season.
Here, Sports News Blitz's Noah Ngcobo unpacks the veteran superstar’s comments that left both fans and reporters questioning how much longer he intends to play.
NBA news: LeBron James’ agent sends cryptic message about LA Lakers star’s future
Uncertainty continues to swirl around LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers after his longtime agent, Rich Paul, sent a cryptic message that left fans and analysts guessing.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo breaks down what Paul’s words could mean for James, the Lakers, and the final chapter of one of basketball’s greatest careers.
NBA news: LeBron James eyes playing with both sons before retirement
LeBron James has already redefined longevity in the NBA, but his next ambition could make for one of the most remarkable stories in sports history.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo looks at how the LA Lakers star is working towards an unprecedented dream.
How Kawhi Leonard’s choice to avoid LeBron James redirected the NBA
Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 free agency decision shocked the NBA and altered the course of league history.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo examines how Leonard’s choice to avoid LeBron James and join the Clippers instead reshaped both franchises and left behind a legacy of what-ifs.
NBA news: Dwight Howard finally earns Hall of Fame enshrinement
Dwight Howard, one of the most dominant centers of his era, has officially been selected to join the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
After being left out of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, an omission that surprised many, Howard now receives the ultimate recognition.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo commemorates Dwight Howard’s stellar career.
NBA news: Charles Barkley predicts LeBron James will step aside as Luka Doncic leads LA Lakers
LeBron James may still be the face of the Los Angeles Lakers, but change is in the air as Luka Doncic begins to take centre stage.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo explores Charles Barkley’s prediction that James will eventually step aside to let Doncic lead the franchise into its next era.
LeBron James faces uncertain future as Lakers shift toward Luka Doncic
LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season with more questions than answers about his future in Los Angeles.
As the Lakers pivot toward Luka Doncic, the four-time champion faces the unfamiliar prospect of no longer being the franchise’s centrepiece.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo examines the shifting landscape and what it means for LeBron’s next chapter.
NBA news: Cooper Flagg set to break LeBron James rookie milestone after 22 years
Cooper Flagg has not played a single NBA game yet, but his name is already making history.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo explores how the Dallas Mavericks rookie is set to match a milestone last achieved by LeBron James over two decades ago.
NBA news: How LeBron James continues to inspire in his 23rd season
Even after 22 seasons at the highest level of basketball, LeBron James remains one of the most admired and respected figures in the NBA.
As he enters his 23rd season, the Los Angeles Lakers star continues to defy the physical and mental limits that typically define the careers of professional athletes.
For younger players like Tyrese Maxey, working out alongside James is more than just training - it is a front-row seat to greatness.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s NBA expert Noah Ngcobo reflects on the impact the basketball veteran has had on the game, and young players like Maxey.
LeBron James and Maverick Carter plot Global Basketball League to challenge the NBA
What began as a seemingly casual photo on a yacht off the coast of France has now taken centre stage in one of the most ambitious ventures in basketball history, reports Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
NBA news: LeBron James stays with LA Lakers, but Dallas dream nearly came true
LeBron James has officially opted into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a $52.6 million payday, reports Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
While this decision signals a continued commitment to the franchise he has helped define since 2018, reports suggest that his future was far from certain during the offseason.
Why LeBron James’ final chapter looks set to be written in LA
Despite a swirl of rumours this offseason, LeBron James appears set to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2025/26 NBA season.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo explores the factors behind James’ decision to stay, the long-term outlook in LA, and what it all means for the twilight of his legendary career.
Deandre Ayton joins LeBron James and Luka Doncic in L.A., sees big opportunity to shine
The Los Angeles Lakers have made headlines once again, adding another major piece to their evolving puzzle.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo explores how Deandre Ayton’s arrival could reshape the team’s future - and what it means for LeBron James.
NBA news: LeBron James' future in Los Angeles grows uncertain
Star forward LeBron James reportedly wants out despite opting in, while the LA Lakers are open to trade talks, writes Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
NBA news: Draft night delivers big moments - Cooper Flagg headlines new era
The NBA draft is always one of the most anticipated nights on the basketball calendar, and this year’s edition lived up to the hype.
With flashing cameras, anxious families, and roaring fan reactions, the 2025 draft delivered storylines that will shape the league for years to come.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo reflects on the successful NBA draft night.