Doncic ready to lead Lakers without LeBron: “Whatever it takes to win”

Doncic stands firm in the absence of LeBron James

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ absence due to a sciatic injury, Los Angeles Lakers star player Luka Doncic has made it clear that he doesn’t feel the pressure of having to take on a more prominent role in the absence of his teammate.

“I don’t see it that way. I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever is necessary to get a win,” Doncic affirmed.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers, without James and Doncic, still haven’t achieved a win in the preseason, with 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 the Warriors. The team prepares for a series of three games in four days, including a game against the Suns 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, after fully participating in Saturday’s training, has had a load management during the week to avoid physical wear and tear, after his participation with Slovenia in the EuroBasket. “I had the national team. I played a month of basketball. Obviously, there’s a long season ahead, so that’s why,” Doncic explained. Redick faces the challenge of replacing James, who will be out for several weeks due to his injury.

“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,” Redick commented.

JJ Redick

Doncic, along with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, will occupy three of the five starting positions. Redick will evaluate the options for the two remaining positions, considering Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and new signings Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart, who offer different alternatives in offense and defense. Smart, who has also been out with 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 revealed that he has talked a lot with James, which has strengthened the team’s chemistry. Meanwhile, the Lakers will have James’ support 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 players who have been practicing and hopefully 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,” Doncic concluded.

Luka Doncic