Luka Doncic Stresses ‘Next Man Up’ as Lakers Prepare for Season Without Injured LeBron James
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LOS ANGELES — With LeBron James expected to miss the first three to four weeks of the 2025-26 campaign because of right-side sciatica, the Los Angeles Lakers will lean even more heavily on new franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic.
After practice on Saturday, the 26-year-old guard said the roster must immediately adjust to life without the four-time NBA champion. “He’s a great player. He can help us a lot,” Doncic told reporters. “But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up.”
James’ absence elevates Doncic from primary scorer to full-time offensive orchestrator, though the All-NBA guard downplayed any added burden. “I just want to play basketball,” he said. “If I do less, if I do more—whatever it takes for me to get a win.”
Los Angeles fortified its lineup over the summer by acquiring center Deandre Ayton, forward Jake LaRavia and veteran guard Marcus Smart. Head coach JJ Redick, entering his first season on the sideline, is counting on that depth to ease the transition. Redick also expressed optimism that the 23-year veteran James will not be sidelined long, noting Opening Night is Oct. 21.
The Lakers open the schedule with what analysts consider a favorable stretch, giving the club time to integrate the new additions while James rehabs. Still, Redick acknowledged the lack of preseason reps created by multiple injuries could slow early chemistry. “We’re going to obviously need him,” Doncic said of James. “But our mentality has got to be next man up. That’s it.”
Source: LakersNation.com
