Lakers prepare for the season without LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers team faces a season start with the absence of LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica. However, Luka Doncic, another star of the team, has stated that he does not feel the need to take on greater responsibility in James’ absence.The Lakers, without James and Doncic, have yet to achieve victories in the preseason, with two losses against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. Lakers coach JJ Redick has not yet confirmed Doncic’s participation in the upcoming preseason game against Golden State. The team has a series of three games in four days ahead, including an away game against Phoenix and another against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas. Redick has indicated that Doncic will play in two of the remaining four preseason games. Doncic has been fully participating in training after his workload was modified to avoid wear and tear following his participation with Slovenia in the EuroBasket. Redick faces the challenge of filling the void left by James, who will be out of the courts for the next three or four weeks. Uncertainty about the starting lineup is a key issue, as the team awaits James’ return. Doncic, along with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, will occupy three of the five starting positions. Rui Hachimura, who started in most of the games last season, is an option for one of the remaining positions. Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart also offer different options for the team. Smart, who has also been out with an Achilles tendinopathy, will play against the Warriors, according to Redick. Redick has considered the possibility of having a lineup and rotation adapted to the presence or absence of James. Doncic and James have been in contact, which has helped strengthen the team’s chemistry. Meanwhile, James will bring his experience from the banking sector.I don’t see it that way. I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes to get a win.
Luka Doncic
It’s a big change. He’s a great player. He can help us a lot. But at the end of the day, our mentality has to be ‘next man up’. We have a group of guys who have been practicing and we hope LeBron can join us as soon as possible. Obviously we’re going to need him. But our mentality has to be ‘next man up’. That’s all.
Luka Doncic
