Doncic ready to lead Lakers: “We will do whatever it takes”

Doncic stands firm while James recovers

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the absence of LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica on the right side of his body, Luka Doncic, the other star of the Los Angeles Lakers, has expressed his focus on teamwork.

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 win.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers, without James and Doncic, have yet to achieve victories in the preseason, with unfavorable results against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. The team will face Golden State in a preseason game this Sunday, although Doncic’s participation has not yet been confirmed.

This Sunday marks the start of a series of three preseason games in four days for the Lakers, with an away game against Phoenix on Tuesday and another against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Coach JJ Redick plans for Doncic to play in two of the remaining four preseason games. Doncic actively participated in Saturday’s training after his workload was modified during the week to preserve the 26-year-old player, who competed with Slovenia in the EuroBasket this summer.

I had [the] national team. I played a month or so of basketball [for Slovenia]. Obviously, there’s a long season ahead, so that’s why.

Luka Doncic

Redick is now tasked with covering for the absence of James, who will be out of action for the next three to four weeks, pending a reevaluation of his sciatica.

We hope he returns soon. Those things can be complicated… It’s not clear what the starting lineup will be, that’s the reality, until he returns. We’ll have to figure it out.

JJ Redick

Doncic, along with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, are expected to fill three of the five starting positions. Redick will evaluate the other two starting positions, considering Rui Hachimura, who started in 57 of the 59 games last season, as well as Jarred Vanderbilt, who has started in both preseason games, and new signings Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart, who offer various offensive and defensive options. Smart, also absent at the start of the preseason due to Achilles tendinopathy, will play against the Warriors, according to Redick. Redick has considered having an optimal lineup and rotation for when James plays, and another for when he doesn’t. Doncic has mentioned that he and James have “talked a lot” while observing the Lakers’ practices from the bench during training camp, which has strengthened the team’s chemistry. For now, James’ contribution during the games will be limited to his voice and guidance from the bench.

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’. We have a group of guys who have been practicing and we hope LeBron can join us as soon as possible. Obviously, we’ll need him. But our mentality has to be ‘next’. That’s all.

Luka Doncic