LeBron James crowns himself King after sparking Lakers' late surge in win over 76ers

Victor Wembanyama, the star player for the San Antonio Spurs, will not return for the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers as he continues to recover from a calf strain that has kept him sidelined since mid-November.

The NBA Cup is heating up as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Phoenix Suns, while the Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the San Antonio Spurs. Additionally, the Toronto Raptors are being evaluated for their performance as the tournament progresses, and Paolo Banchero's return to the Orlando Magic lineup is anticipated after his recent injury.

Joey and Jesse Buss, recently dismissed from their roles as executives with the Los Angeles Lakers, are exploring the possibility of acquiring an ownership stake in Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics. This move comes in the wake of significant organizational changes within the Lakers, including the hiring of new executives from the Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their strong performance this season, currently holding a 17-6 record after a recent victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. LeBron James played a pivotal role in this win, scoring crucial points late in the game, despite Austin Reaves having an off night. James highlighted Reaves' development as a key contributor to the team's success.

The Philadelphia Phillies have re-signed Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining their current roster after a successful season. This move indicates the team's intention to build on their recent achievements and continue competing at a high level in Major League Baseball.

The Philadelphia Phillies have announced a contract extension for manager Rob Thomson through the 2027 season, coinciding with the re-signing of star slugger Kyle Schwarber. This move underscores the team's commitment to maintaining a competitive roster as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.

Rich Paul, the agent for LeBron James, confirmed that James will complete the 2025-26 NBA season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, emphasizing that there are no other viable options for him at this stage of his career. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about James' future in the league and his recent performance after returning from injury.

LeBron James has returned to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season after missing the first 14 games due to a sciatica nerve issue. His comeback coincides with the Lakers achieving a three-game winning streak, improving their record to 13-4. James has taken on a secondary role in the lineup, which has positively impacted the team's performance.