LeBron James, Christmas day, and the weight of an NBA tradition
Christmas Day basketball has become one of the most recognisable dates on the NBA calendar, and once again, LeBron James found himself at the centre of it.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo looks at how the 40-year-old superstar continues to carry the expectations of a holiday built around the league’s biggest names.
NBA news: LeBron James sees 18-year streak end in LA Lakers victory over Toronto Raptors
LeBron James’ historic scoring streak may have ended in Toronto, but his late-game decision-making proved that his basketball instincts remain as sharp as ever.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo breaks down how James’ selfless play helped the Lakers secure a dramatic win despite the end of an 18-year run.
NBA news: Luka Doncic’s record-breaking start fuels LA Lakers’ dominant run
Luka Doncic has launched his Los Angeles Lakers career in extraordinary fashion, crafting one of the most impressive starts in NBA history.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo reflects on Doncic’s impact at the start of what looks to be an exciting season for the Slovenian.
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 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.