Lakers Face Challenge Without LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers team is preparing to face a period without their star, LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica on the right side of his body. Despite this absence, player Luka Doncic has expressed that he does not feel the need to assume greater responsibility in the absence of James.The Lakers, without James and Doncic in some games, have had a complicated preseason start, with two losses against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. Lakers coach JJ Redick is still evaluating whether Doncic will participate in the next game against Golden State. The team faces a series of three preseason games in four days, including an away game against Phoenix and another against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas. Doncic, who fully participated in Saturday’s training, has had a modified workload during the week to avoid wear and tear, following his participation with Slovenia in the EuroBasket.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 is now tasked with covering for the absence of James, who will be out of the courts for the next three or four weeks, pending a reevaluation of his condition. It is expected that Doncic, along with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, will fill three of the five starting positions. Redick is considering the options for the other two starting positions, with Rui Hachimura, who started in most of the games last season, as an option. Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart also offer different options for the team. 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 better suits when James plays, and another for when he doesn’t. Doncic and James have been in contact during training camp, which has helped strengthen the team’s chemistry. For now, James’ contribution during the matches will be limited to his support from the bench.I had the national team. I played a month or something of basketball [for Slovenia]. Obviously, there’s a long season ahead, so that’s why.
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’ll need him. But our mentality has to be ‘next man up’. That’s all.
Luka Doncic
