Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić is gearing up to headline his first full season with the team, especially with one of the league’s most incredible players ever, LeBron James. While the team practice was running smoothly despite the Lakers losing their first two preseason games, talks were about the probable starting lineup for the squad ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
There could be a lot of moving pieces in the roster, but two names that anyone would have agreed upon to start consistently for the Lakers since opening night were Dončić and James.
But that narrative seems to be a lost cause since the Lakers announced LeBron’s sciatica strain, which will sideline him from the start of the new season. Despite losing their star player, Dončić had a positive message for his fellow Lakers teammates: He wants them to focus on the game and bring their best to the court daily.
What Did Luka Dončić Have To Say About Starting the Season Without LeBron James?
During the media interview after team practice on Saturday, Dončić reflected on what it would be like playing without LeBron. The Slovenian said, “It’s a big change. 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.'”
He added, “We have a group of guys who have been practicing, and hopefully, LeBron will join us as soon as possible. We are going to need him, obviously. But our mentality has got to be ‘next man up.’ That’s it.”
Luka Doncic on the Lakers playing without LeBron James while he’s sidelined with sciatica: “It’s a big change. He’a a great player. He can help us a lot. But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up.” pic.twitter.com/z4upADH7pJ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 11, 2025
Saturday’s team practice was the first full preseason session for Dončić, who joined the team on October 1. However, his practice schedule was carefully modified due to his extensive participation in the FIBA Euro Championship with Slovenia last month.
He had an incredible tenure with his country as he led them to the quarterfinals of the event, ultimately going down against the eventual champions, Germany.
Reflecting on the same, Dončić said, “I had [the] national team. Playing one month or something of basketball [for Slovenia]. Obviously, it’s a long season ahead, so just because of that.”
Asked if he was compelled to do more because of James’ absence, the Slovenian said, “I don’t view it that way. I just want to play basketball. If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes for me to get a win.”
It is still uncertain whether Dončić will be available to participate in the Lakers’ next preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. If not a start, then the Slovenian can definitely get some valuable game time from the bench tomorrow, but this will be a decision that ultimately falls on the head coach, JJ Redick.
