Luka Doncic said he doesn’t feel pressured to do more as LeBron James recovers from sciatica, emphasizing a team-first approach as the Los Angeles Lakers navigate the veteran forward’s expected three-to-four week absence.
Doncic addressed his role after practice on Saturday and said his focus remains on winning, regardless of individual statistics. The Lakers are 0-2 in the preseason without both James and Doncic, losing to Phoenix and Golden State.
“I don’t look at it that way,” Doncic said. “I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes to win.”
JJ Redick said it remains undetermined if Doncic will play in Sunday’s preseason rematch against the Golden State Warriors. Doncic will play in two of the Lakers’ remaining four games as the team manages his workload.
Doncic was a full participant on Saturday after having his workload adjusted throughout the week. Doncic played for Slovenia in EuroBasket this summer, prompting a cautious approach.
“I had [the] national team,” Doncic explained. “Playing basketball for a month or something like that [for Slovenia]. Obviously there’s still a long season ahead of us, so that’s why.”
Redick faces uncertainty about the starting lineup until James returns. Doncic, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton will fill three spots, but the final two spots remain undecided.
Rui Hachimura started 57 of 59 games last season and is under consideration. Jarred Vanderbilt has started both preseason games and is the healthiest since the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
Free agent signees Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart provide additional options. Smart, sidelined by an Achilles tendonitis, will play against the Warriors on Sunday, according to Redick.
“It’s a big change,” Doncic said of playing without James. “He’s a great player. He can help us a lot. But ultimately our mentality has to be ‘next man up’.”
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