TITLE: Luka Doncic Thriving With Short-Handed Lakers, Cites “Big Potential” for Team
SLUG: luka-doncic-thriving-with-short-handed-lakers-big-potential
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers have opened the 2025-26 campaign at 7-2 despite extended absences from core players, including LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles has strung together five straight victories while James has missed all nine contests because of sciatica. Doncic sat out four games and Reaves two, yet the club continues to roll.
Doncic’s early numbers
In his five appearances, the 26-year-old guard is averaging 40.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals. Speaking after a recent win at Crypto.com Arena, Doncic credited his teammates for the strong start.
“Honestly the feeling is that I’m enjoying it very much playing with these guys,” Doncic said. “AR can play, we’re still missing Bron. This team has big potential. Everybody steps on the court and gives maximum effort, so it’s very enjoyable to play.”
James cleared for contact
The Lakers announced that James has progressed to contact work and will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks. The four-time MVP has been sidelined since opening night but is expected to return in mid-November. With the team succeeding in his absence, the organization plans to make sure he is fully healthy before returning to game action.
The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks last season, and he remains under contract in Los Angeles for at least three more full seasons.
Source: Lakers Nation
