Luka Doncic is not a person who shies away from a challenge, but even he acknowledges that going up against Stephen Curry straight-up without LeBron James is going to be an ultimate test.
As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face off in their much-anticipated game against the Golden State Warriors, the Slovenian weighed in on what the game would be like without LeBron, and going face to face with one the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Going against Steph will be tough. He’s hard to guard, he’s always running. It’ll be tough without LeBron
His words speak an expression of honesty. From someone who is supposed to bear the offense and leadership burden for the Lakers while James recovers from an ongoing back problem, this is more than a simple statement.
Respect between superstars
Doncic’s opinion reflects the immense respect for Curry , not only as a rival, but as an example of longevity and consistency. The Warriors veteran, age 37, still appears in every defense’s nightmares, as he keeps averaging elite statistics while utilizing his signature off-ball shuffling and quick-release shot.
Facing Curry is facing the heartbeat of the Warriors’ dynasty, something that Doncic acknowledged requires more than just ability.
You have to be focused all the time. You can’t relax for one second
Going to battle without LeBron
The Lakers’ offense will never be the same without LeBron leading possessions and controlling the tempo. That duty now rests purely on Doncic, who arrived at the Lakers as part of the trade intended to carry the team in a post-LeBron era.
Without LeBron, Doncic will need to divide his attention between scoring and distributing to teammates, a not easy task against a Warriors defense that feeds on mistakes. The contest will be the first true test of how effectively the revamped Lakers can play through their 26-year-old franchise pillar.
A clash of generations
The Doncic-Curry feud represents a generational change. Curry is the personification of the incumbent greatness of a generation all about perimeter shooting and champion bloodlines. Doncic, on the other side is the league’s future main star: intelligent, creative, and not afraid to confront all the champions around.
While his words about the test sound defensive, they also sound mature. Doncic understands games like this can set the tone for perception, not merely about his ability, but about his leadership under the brightest spotlight when LeBron is elsewhere to take up space.
Luka Doncic will not back down, but at least he is honest. His admission that “it’ll be tough without LeBron” shines a light on the burden now on his shoulders. Against Stephen Curry, he will need more than flash passes and step-back threes.
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