URGENT UPDATE: LeBron James is set to miss the start of the NBA season due to ongoing recovery from sciatica, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers looking to superstar Luka Doncic for leadership. Doncic, speaking after practice on Saturday, affirmed he is ready to do “whatever it takes” to secure wins, stating, “I just want to play basketball.”
James’ absence is a significant blow as the Lakers begin the season winless in the preseason, holding a record of 0-2 after losses to the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. The Lakers face the Warriors again in a crucial preseason rematch on Sunday, where Coach JJ Redick has yet to confirm Doncic’s participation.
The Lakers are entering a demanding stretch with three games in four days, including a road matchup against Phoenix on Tuesday and a back-to-back against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Redick announced that Doncic is expected to play in at least two of the remaining four preseason games.
Doncic, who recently participated with the Slovenia national team in EuroBasket, was a full practice participant on Saturday after a modified training schedule earlier in the week. He explained, “It’s a long season ahead,” emphasizing the need for careful management of his workload.
Lakers coach Redick is faced with the challenge of reshaping the team’s lineup during James’ recovery, which is projected to last 3-4 weeks. “You hope that he’s back soon. Those things can be tricky,” Redick noted, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the starting lineup until James returns.
While Doncic, guard Austin Reaves, and center Deandre Ayton are set to fill three of the five starting positions, decisions remain to be made for the other two spots. Player Rui Hachimura, who started 57 games last season, is a strong candidate, along with Jarred Vanderbilt, who has been in the starting lineup for both preseason games thus far. New additions like Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart provide additional options both offensively and defensively, with Smart expected to return against the Warriors after sitting out due to Achilles tendinopathy.
Doncic emphasized the need for the team to adopt a “next man up” mentality, acknowledging the impact of James’ absence. “He’s a great player. He can help us a lot. But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be ‘next man up,'” Doncic stated.
As the Lakers navigate this crucial period, all eyes will be on how they adapt without their star player. The urgency for wins is palpable as the season approaches, and Doncic’s leadership will be pivotal for the Lakers’ success in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for updates on James’ recovery and Doncic’s performance as the Lakers strive to turn around their preseason fortunes.
