Add The California Post on Google It’s no secret that having LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for the past eight seasons heightened the Lakers’ profile.
The Lakers are already arguably the most famous and iconic franchise in NBA history. That is why it was fitting that arguably the NBA’s most famous and iconic active player was playing in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James waves to the crowd during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards. USA TODAY Sports But now LeBron is gone, which is a hit to the team’s star power and cultural impact. And that seemed to manifest with the NBA schedule for next season, which was released in part on Tuesday morning.
The Lakers aren’t playing on the NBA’s Opening Night for the first time in eight seasons. The last time this was the case was in 2019—which was also the last time LeBron James wasn’t on the Lakers’ Opening Night roster.
This reveals a tough pill that the Lakers’ franchise and fan base must swallow: their team isn’t as must-see as they were with LeBron.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts on the court during the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks game. JASON SZENES/ NY POST Granted, the Lakers are still a massive draw.
Luka Doncic is a superstar, and the team has several marquee games on the schedule, including facing LeBron’s Philadelphia 76ers at home on Christmas Day.
Not to mention that the Lakers’ season opener is against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on October 21 at Crypto.com Arena. That’s still a massive matchup, even without LeBron, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that California showdown draw more viewership than any of the Opening Night games.
LeBron’s 76ers squad will face the defending NBA champion New York Knicks on Opening Night as well. That game will probably have the Lakers beat, because that’s the LeBron James effect.
