LeBron James has prompted ‘concern’ amid the latest setback shortly after his return to action
LeBron recently returned from an excused absence
Lapresse
As the NBA season approaches its halfway mark, the Los Angeles Lakers might be starting to round back into form — although questions remain over the future of their best player, basketball legend LeBron James.
James recently missed two games through an “excused absence” before he sat out Saturday’s win over the Sacramento Kings with an illness. Though the Lakers, at 18-13, now own the fifth seed in the Western Conference, Los Angeles simply isn’t the same without The King, and head coach J.J. Redick knows it.
Redick reveals level of concern around LeBron
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, after the Lakers defeated the Kings 132-122 the night before, Redick revealed his own King’s status moving forward — and it appears James could be ready to face his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers on New Year’s Eve.
“No concern, he’s just a little bit under the weather,” Redick told the media.
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Even with his 40th birthday mere hours away, James has continued to impress in his 22nd NBA season as the Lakers chase a third consecutive playoff berth. Saturday’s game was only the third James has missed this season; he continues to average 35 minutes per night while averaging 23.5 points, nine assists, and nearly eight rebounds per game. His eight triple-doubles this season are more than he recorded in the previous two years combined — and he began 2024/25 by sharing the court with his son Bronny, fulfilling one of his final stated NBA goals.
But James is also shooting his worst percentage from the field since 2019/20, and his points-per-game average is the lowest he’s averaged since his rookie season in 2003/04. Perhaps Father Time is calling…or perhaps LeBron is saving his best for last, as he pursues a fifth championship — however unlikely.
Caitlin Clark dominates WNBA card market with record-breaking $216k sales
The ROTY’s collectibles outsell Wilson and Ionescu, cementing her as the face of the league.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin ClarkAP Photo
In just one season, Caitlin Clark has redefined what it means to be a rookie in the WNBA. While the MVP title went to A’ja Wilson, and the Finals victory to the New York Liberty, it’s Clark who continues to make headlines. This time, it’s not for her on-court heroics but for dominating the WNBA collectibles market, outselling stars like Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu by a wide margin.
During the Goldin December Elite auction, Clark’s trading cards shattered records, accounting for a jaw-dropping $216,672 of the $219,906 total in WNBA card sales. For comparison, Wilson’s top card sold for $915, and Ionescu’s fetched $2,319. The Fever guard’s performance left both competitors in the dust, highlighting her unmatched star power.
Caitlin Clark shines in first workout with new Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White
The “Caitlin Clark effect”
Clark’s impact extends far beyond trading cards. Known for drawing massive crowds to arenas and boosting television viewership, the rookie phenom has also ignited a surge in WNBA merchandise sales. According to eBay, searches for “WNBA” items increased by 110% this season compared to 2023, with Clarkranking as one of the top five most searched athletes across all sports.
She’s not alone in driving interest in the league. LSU star Angel Reese, now with the Chicago Sky, joined Clark at the top of eBay’s most searched list, alongside notable names like Sabrina Ionescu, A’jaWilson, and Kelsey Plum. Each player brings unique achievements to the table, but none have captured the market quite like Clark.
Breaking barriers in women’s sports
Clark’s rookie year with the Indiana Fever has been a whirlwind, with accolades from TIME and the Associated Press further solidifying her status as a cultural icon. She’s not just winning games; she’s transforming how the WNBA is perceived and consumed.
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As women’s sports gain traction globally, Caitlin Clark stands at the forefront of this movement. Her ability to inspire fans, both young and old, has created a ripple effect, boosting interest in collectibles, merchandise, and the WNBA itself.
Thank you for watching
With her cards setting records and her influence growing, Clark isn’t just leading the league she’s reshaping it. How high can she go? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the “Caitlin Clark effect” is here to stay.
