The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2025-26 season facing a new kind of challenge.LeBron James, the team’s leader for more than five years, is recovering from sciatica and will miss the start of the season. That means Luka Doncic has become the main voice on the floor, and he is not afraid to admit how different things feel.
“It’s a big change,”Doncic said after a team practice this week. “He’s a great player. He can help us a lot. But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up.”
For a team that has long moved to LeBron’s rhythm, the adjustment is real. The Lakers are learning to play faster, rely more on their spacing, and find new ways to stay connected without their superstar setting the tone every night.
Redick’s System Faces Its First Real Test
Head coach JJ Redick, entering his first full season in charge, wants to see a quicker and more dynamic offense. That means more pick-and-rolls with Doncic, faster transitions, and less isolation play. “We have the pieces,” Redick told The Athletic. “It’s about consistency and trust.”
Last year, the Lakers went 6-6 when LeBron sat out. That record serves as a reminder that balance and chemistry will be key. Doncic, who arrived in Los Angeles through a major trade last spring, knows the responsibility is heavier now.
“Everybody has to step up,”he said. “It’s not about replacing him. Nobody can do that. But we can carry the same standard.”
Hope for LeBron’s Recovery
According to ESPN and CBS Sports, James will be re-evaluated in the next few weeks. Team doctors say his recovery is going well, but the Lakers are being cautious. Sciatica can heal quickly with rest and therapy, yet it often requires patience and time.
While James recovers, the Lakers are counting on Doncic’s leadership and his growing chemistry with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to keep the team competitive. The early part of the season may test them, but it also gives them a chance to build new habits that could pay off later.
The Lakers are learning how to play without their legend, and Luka Doncic is learning how to lead like one.
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