Lakers Prepare for Season Without LeBron James
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the absence of LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica in his right side, the Lakers are preparing to face the start of the season. Luka Doncic, the other star of the team, has expressed that he does not feel the pressure of having to take on a more prominent role in the absence of James.The Lakers, without James and Doncic, have yet to achieve a win in the preseason, with two losses against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. The team will face the Warriors again in a preseason game on Sunday. Lakers coach JJ Redick is still evaluating whether Doncic will participate in Sunday’s game. This game marks the start of a three-game preseason series in four days for the Lakers, including an away game against Phoenix on Tuesday and another against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Redick has confirmed that Doncic will play in two of the remaining four preseason games. Doncic, who participated actively on Saturday, has had a modified workload during the week to preserve his physical condition, following his participation with Slovenia in the EuroBasket this summer.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
Redick now faces the challenge of covering for James’ absence, who will be out of the courts for the next three or four weeks while his injury is evaluated. The coach is considering the options for the starting lineup in James’ absence. Doncic, along with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, will occupy three of the five positions in the lineup. Redick will evaluate the options for the remaining two positions, considering Rui Hachimura, who started in most of last season’s games, and Jarred Vanderbilt, as well as new signings Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart, who offer different options in offense and defense. Smart, who has also been out at the start of the preseason due to Achilles tendinopathy, will play against the Warriors, according to Redick. Redick has considered having a lineup and rotation that is better suited when James plays and another for when he doesn’t. Doncic has mentioned that he has talked with James during training sessions, which has helped strengthen the team’s chemistry. For now, James’ contribution during the games will be limited to his support from the bench.I had the national team. I played a month or something like that of basketball [for Slovenia]. Obviously, there is a long season ahead, so just for that.
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’. We have a group of players 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’. That’s all.
Luka Doncic
