NBA fans seem to be enjoying the season more than ever—even with LeBron James still sidelined by injury.
According to Legion Hoops on X, the league’s viewership is up an impressive 92% year-over-year for nationally televised games, marking the best opening week numbers in over 15 years. And it’s all happening without James, who remains out due to a lingering sciatica issue.
That stat alone has sparked plenty of talk online, with fans debating whether LeBron’s absence has actually made the NBA more entertaining.
One fan wrote, “Maybe people are tiring of watching the same guy play for 300 seasons.”
Maybe people are tiring of watching the same guy play for 300 seasons
— 𓋹 (@SadeekCreates) November 9, 2025
Another added, “More people are probably watching because LeBron is not playing. While ultra skilled, he’s also the most unlikable athlete I’ve ever seen.”
A third chimed in, “Lakers need to move on from LeBron, he doesn’t make the team better and at this point he doesn’t make the NBA better. He’s only here to make money. He’s already accepted he’s not top 3 all time.”
James has yet to play a game in the 2025–26 season, but ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday that he’s been cleared for contact and will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks as he continues rehab.
“This season won’t end well with LeChoke”: NBA fans back Reaves over LeBron
While LeBron recovers, Austin Reaves has been a bright spot for the Lakers. LA opened the season 5–2, with Reaves putting up nearly 25 points a night before missing three games due to a groin injury. The team went 3–1 in his absence, but it hasn’t stopped fans from debating who’s truly more valuable.
One fan said, “We don’t need LeBron. Hasn’t changed. Trade him for players that fit Luka. If they don’t this season won’t end well with LeChoke.”
We don’t need LeBron. Hasn’t changed. Trade him for players that fit Luka. If they don’t this season won’t end well with LeChoke
— 🏴☠️NegativeBananya.bsky.social🏴☠️ (@NegativeBananya) November 9, 2025
Another wrote, “lol Austin Reaves is out and somehow the game is about Bron? Yeah I’m sure LeBron’s 41-year-old body would have helped us on defense.”
A third added, “The Lakers would be so much better without Bron and the ability to go get some guys to really support Luka. Just my opinion. They really need some 3 and D guys to make up for AR and Luka on defense along with some bench depth.”
Before his injury, Reaves was off to a career-best start, averaging 31.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. Head coach JJ Redick said Reaves could return at some point during their current four-game road trip — a boost the Lakers will gladly take as they look to keep their strong start rolling.
For more sports content:
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for your NBA and college basketball reading fix. You can reach out to Dan Agulto through email at papadanph@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
