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The Los Angeles Lakers are bracing for the beginning of the season with out LeBron James, who’s sidelined with a sciatica problem on the proper aspect of his physique.
However Luka Doncic isn’t feeling additional stress to hold the load in his absence.
“I don’t view it that approach,” Doncic mentioned after observe on Saturday. “I simply wish to play basketball. If I do much less, if I do extra, no matter it takes for me to get a win.”
Doncic admitted that shedding LeBron, even briefly, adjustments quite a bit.
“It’s an enormous change,” he mentioned. “He’s a terrific participant. He will help us quite a bit. However on the finish of the day, our mentality must be ‘subsequent man up.’ We acquired a bunch of fellows which were working towards and hopefully LeBron can be a part of us as quickly as attainable. We’re going to clearly want him. However our mentality has acquired to be ‘subsequent man up.’ That’s it.”
The Lakers have opened the preseason with losses to Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, then a win in opposition to the Warriors.
JJ Redick confirmed that Doncic will play in two of Los Angeles’ remaining 4 preseason matchups and doesn’t wish to be with out James for lengthy.
“You hope that [LeBron’s] again quickly,” Redick mentioned. “These issues may be difficult. … It’s unclear what the beginning lineup goes to be, that’s the fact, till he’s again. We’ll need to determine that out.”
Luka was a full participant in observe after a lighter workload all through the week.
“I had [the] nationwide group,” he mentioned, referring to his time enjoying for Slovenia at EuroBasket. “Taking part in one month or one thing of basketball [for Slovenia]. Clearly it’s an extended season forward, so simply due to that.”
For now, the Lakers are anticipated to roll with Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton within the beginning 5.
Redick mentioned he’s additionally contemplating separate rotations for when James performs and when he doesn’t, testing combos that would maximize each lineups.
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