NBA / Luka Doncic can’t wait to lead the Lakers, now without the legendary LeBron James

Lakers leader Luka Doncic has said he can’t wait to take the team’s “leadership” after LeBron James’s departure to Philadelphia. “It’s a new challenge, of course. But I’ve often been in this situation, since I was young, so it’s nothing new. I feel good, I’m ready and I can’t wait,” the 27-year-old Slovenian said.

Doncic has not played in the NBA since his injury in early April against the Thunder. Transferred to California in February 2025, after a long stay in Dallas, Doncic must manage as best he can the legacy left by LeBron James.

The Slovenian averaged 33 points per game last season, before getting injured. For the new season Doncic can rely on Austin Reaves and several new players who joined the team, among them Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. “He’s added value for us. He protects the rim, but he has also made extraordinary progress offensively. He will help us a lot,” Doncic emphasized. On October 21 the Lakers will open the season against the Golden State Warriors.