Lakers star Luka Doncic optimistic about LeBron James’ impact on team performance upon return

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers have been delivering an impressive performance in the regular season thus far. Sporting a 10-4 record and coming off a decisive 119-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, both the team and its fan base eagerly anticipate the season debut of LeBron James, who is slated to rejoin the roster this week.

Regarding LeBron‘s return, Doncic expressed optimism about the veteran’s anticipated impact upon making his season debut in the NBA. “I mean, LeBron’s played basketball [for a long time]. It’s his [23rd] season…He knows everything about it… First of all, it’s defense. When we get stops, we can get anything,” Doncic remarked.

These comments have heightened the anticipation among fans for LeBron’s return this week, as his experience and deep understanding of the NBA are expected to significantly bolster the roster amid the challenges looming for the remainder of the season leading up to 2025.

“I think one of the biggest things for the team to win is having great chemistry, and I think we have that,” Doncic commented, emphasizing a key factor contributing to the Lakers’ promising start this regular season.

Doncic’s milestone in the opening games of the regular season

Having appeared in just 10 games at the outset of the regular season, Doncic has already carved out a notable milestone in the NBA. He has become the first player to amass such impressive statistics: 344 points, 89 assists, and 36 made threes.

see also

Lakers’ Luka Doncic speaks out on returning to the Mavericks following Nico Harrison’s departure

Moreover, Doncic is now the fastest player this century to notch 50 career 40-point games in the NBA. These impressive figures underscore the substantial impact he intends to make with the Lakers, particularly amid swirling rumors about LeBron possibly playing his final season in the NBA.

LeBron’s expected comeback

According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron is anticipated to return to practice with the Lakers on Monday. “LeBron James has been reassigned back to the Lakers from NBA G League South Bay and will be a full participant at Lakers practice on Monday,” Charania reported.