One of the most significant stories in recent days across the NBA centers on the injury to Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James. His absence could make a clear difference in how the team performs early in the campaign. Luka Doncic, seen by many as the heir to the league’s throne, understands just how much this setback could impact the Lakers.
Discussing what it’s been like to play without one of the greatest players in basketball history as he recovers from sciatica, Doncic admitted that while it changes a lot for the group, the team must stay focused and adopt a “next man up” mentality to move forward.
“It’s a big change. He’s a great player. He can help us a lot,” Doncic told reporters. “But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up.” The Slovenian star made it clear that the Lakers must stay mentally strong despite the loss of such a crucial piece of their roster.
For now, Doncic has been a full participant in practice and is expected to play in two of the team’s final four preseason games, though it remains uncertain whether one of those appearances will come Sunday. The Lakers, however, continue to take a cautious approach with Doncic after his demanding EuroBasket run with Slovenia over the summer, while several teammates are also managing minor injuries early in training camp.
What happened to LeBron James?
LeBron James will miss the opening game of his record-setting 23rd NBA season due to a sciatica issue that will be reevaluated in three to four weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers announced Thursday.
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The 40-year-old superstar is expected to be sidelined until at least the end of October because of the nerve pain radiating from his right side, which affects the lower back and legs.
James has yet to take part in a full practice session since the Lakers opened training camp last week. Head coach JJ Redick said Thursday that the forward “was working on his own” after the team’s workout. Just an hour later, the Lakers released an official injury timetable, indicating that James will likely miss the first five or six games of the season—and potentially several more depending on his recovery progress.
