TITLE: LeBron James Stresses Luka Doncic Remains Team’s Centerpiece After Dual 30-Point Night
SLUG: lebron-james-says-luka-remains-franchise-after-dual-30-point-performance
CONTENT:
NEW ORLEANS — LeBron James poured in 30 points Tuesday night, but the Los Angeles Lakers veteran quickly redirected attention after a 111–103 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Luka doesn’t need to bend his game for me. Luka is our franchise,” James told reporters, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The four-time MVP emphasized the team’s pecking order moments after Los Angeles earned its third consecutive victory.
Second Twin 30-Point Showing in Three Games
Doncic matched James with 30 points, marking the second time in three outings both stars have reached that total. With two regular starters still sidelined, the pair again carried the bulk of the scoring and playmaking duties.
James Rediscovers Form After Sciatica Layoff
Since returning from a month-long absence caused by sciatica, the 41-year-old forward has scored at least 25 points in seven of his last 12 games. During the ongoing three-game winning streak, he is averaging 29 points while shooting nearly 59 percent from the field.
Key Fourth-Quarter Swing
The Lakers trailed by seven early in the final period before James erased the gap almost single-handedly, sinking two three-pointers and dishing an assist to flip momentum. Doncic later sealed the result with defense and two late threes, including a desperation shot while falling out of bounds as the shot clock expired.
Coaching Perspective
Head coach JJ Redick likened James to Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux in the twilight of his career: no longer overpowering every night, yet still expert at dictating outcomes.
Managing Back-to-Backs
Asked about his availability in consecutive-night situations, James replied, “Every back-to-back is TBD. I’m 41.”
Source: Hoops Wire
