Luka Committed to Leading in LeBron’s Absence with Determination and Action
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the new season, the absence of LeBron James due to sciatica raises questions about the team’s dynamics. Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ other star, remains focused on teamwork rather than taking on additional pressure.
Luka Doncic’s Mindset in LeBron’s Absence
Following a practice session, Doncic expressed, “I don’t view it that way. I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes for me to get a win.” His attitude emphasizes a commitment to the team’s success over individual accolades.
Preseason Performance
The Lakers have struggled in the preseason without both James and Doncic, recording an 0-2 start against the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. They are set for a rematch against the Warriors, and head coach JJ Redick has not confirmed Doncic’s participation in that game.
| Matchup | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| vs Phoenix Suns | October 5, 2025 | Lakers lost |
| vs Golden State Warriors | October 7, 2025 | Lakers lost |
Upcoming Games
The Lakers have a busy schedule ahead, with three preseason games in four days. These include:
- Rematch against Golden State on Sunday
- Road game against Phoenix on Tuesday
- Game against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas on Wednesday
Redick plans to use Doncic in two of the remaining four preseason contests. This decision comes after Doncic trained lightly earlier in the week to manage fatigue from his participation in EuroBasket.
Team Adjustments and Future Prospects
With James out due to an injury that may keep him sidelined for three to four weeks, Redick faces the challenge of reworking the starting lineup. Currently, Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton are set for three of the starting positions.
Other candidates include Rui Hachimura, who previously started 57 games last season, and Jarred Vanderbilt, who is returning to health after a long injury layoff. Newly acquired talents Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart offer additional options for both offensive and defensive strategies.
Redick acknowledges the need for different lineup strategies for when James is available versus when he is not. Doncic has been in communication with James, which has contributed to their on-court chemistry as the team navigates this transitional phase.
Moving Forward
Doncic emphasized the importance of a “next man up” mentality. “He’s a great player. He can help us a lot,” Doncic stated regarding James. “But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be ‘next man up.’”
This approach will be crucial as the Lakers aim to adapt and compete in the upcoming season while navigating their start without a key player like James.
