Doncic ready to take on leadership role in Lakers due to LeBron’s absence

Lakers prepare for the season without LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers team faces a challenge at the start of the season. LeBron James will be absent due to a sciatic injury, which will force the team to adjust its strategy. The other star of the team, Luka Doncic, has stated that he doesn’t feel the need to take on a more important role in James’ absence. “I just want to play basketball. Whether I do less or more, I will do what is necessary to win,” Doncic affirmed. The Lakers have yet to secure a win in the preseason, with losses against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors. Lakers coach JJ Redick is evaluating Doncic’s participation in the upcoming preseason game against the Warriors. The team has a series of three games in four days ahead, including an away game against the Phoenix Suns and another against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas. Redick has confirmed that Doncic will play in two of the remaining four preseason games. Doncic has been fully participating in training after managing his workload to avoid wear and tear following his participation with Slovenia in the EuroBasket.

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

Luka Doncic

Redick faces the challenge of covering for James, who is expected to be out of the courts for the next three or four weeks. Doncic, along with Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, are expected to fill three of the five positions in the starting lineup. Redick is considering options for the other two positions, with Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt as possible starters. In addition, new additions Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart offer different offensive and defensive options. Smart, who has also been out with Achilles tendinopathy, will participate in the game against the Warriors. Redick has considered the possibility of having a specific lineup and rotation for when James plays and another for when he is not present. Doncic has been in contact with James, which has helped strengthen the team’s chemistry. For now, James will provide his support from the bench, offering his experience and voice. Doncic acknowledges the impact of James’ absence, but emphasizes the importance of the “next man up” mentality.

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 players who have been practicing and I 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