The National Basketball Association (NBA) has hailed the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James for making “history” with their new autograph cards.

Topps, the popular trading card company, announced the release of James’ first-ever autographed card in purple and gold colors.

“This is history 💜✍️ LeBron Laker autograph cards are finally here,” the NBA wrote on X.

The announcement marks a significant milestone for fans of James, card collectors and Lakers fans, as “The King” had, surprisingly, not released a licensed card with the Lakers until now. James, who joined the Lakers in 2019, had several autographed cards with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, his previous two teams.

LeBron James to Miss Season Opener

Even as LeBron James makes history off the court, he will snap a longstanding trend on October 21, missing the Lakers’ 2025-26 season opener against the Golden State Warriors due to sciatica in his left leg.

James had never missed any of his previous 22 season openers, dating from his 2003-04 rookie season with the Cavaliers, until his 22nd season in 2023-24 as part of the Lakers.

James went 8-14 in his previous 22 season-openers and had not won the first game of a season in Lakers colors until the 2024-24 campaign when Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Through the 22 games, James 25.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 50.1% shooting, numbers that are slightly lower than his career stats.

Lakers Begin Luka Doncic Era

With James sidelined until mid-November, the Lakers can fast-track the process of handing the keys to Luka Doncic, their new franchise player. In James’ absence, Doncic will get the opportunity to display leadership qualities and run the offense, unlike last season when he shared the workload with James and Austin Reaves.

The Lakers are expected to start Gabe Vincent in place of James, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick.

“I don’t know anything about who I’m going to be starting the rest of the season,” Redick said after the team’s final preseason game. “There are injuries, and things happen throughout the year. I have a pretty good idea who’s going to start Game 1. After that, I don’t know. But I do think in that lineup there’s a lot of shooting around Luka and DA, and Gabe is another ball handler, another tough defender.”

Redick is focused on the personnel at hand, noting how James’ injury could be “tricky” and his return timeline could be altered.