LeBron James Steps Back, Puts Luka Doncic Front and Center as Lakers’ Future

LeBron James has acknowledged that Luka Doncic is the face of the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James Steps Back, Puts Luka Doncic Front and Center as Lakers’ Future

LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via FirstSportz)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

LeBron James and Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to another win on Tuesday night. After back-to-back wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers secured a 111-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Both James and Luka Doncic put on a show as they scored 30 points apiece and contributed 60 out of their total 111 points.

Following the loss to the Detroit Pistons, more questions were asked about whether the Lakers could compete against young and athletic teams as they struggle to contain such opponents on the defensive end. Lack of energy in defense has been one of the major reasons why many believe they are not championship contenders this season despite their strong start to the 2025-26 campaign.

The win propelled the Lakers to third, overtaking the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference standings with a 23-11 record, while the Pelicans suffered their eighth consecutive loss and have dropped to 8-30 for the season as they remain at the bottom of the standings.

The 2025-26 campaign represents a record-breaking 23rd season for LeBron James. After missing the first 14 games of the season, there were questions about how James would adapt to his new role without hurting the team’s chemistry, but things have turned out fine so far.

With Austin Reaves ruled out for a month due to injury, James has had to increase his workload on the offensive end and has formed a formidable partnership with Luka Doncic. The four-time NBA Champion is currently averaging 21.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists.

Meanwhile, Doncic has been one of the top performers this season and is a top-three contender for league MVP as things stand. The Lakers guard leads the league in scoring and is currently averaging 33.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.7 assists.

During his post-match locker-room interview, James emphasized that this is Doncic’s team and he is at the top of the pecking order.

Luka don’t need to bend his game to me. He’s our 27-year-old franchise for this ball club. It’s up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out.

Until Reaves returns, the Lakers will be hoping their two star players continue their fine form as they take on the San Antonio Spurs in a crucial match on the second night of a back-to-back.

Fans react to LeBron James’ comments on Luka Doncic leading the Lakers

It is a new role for James as this is the first time in his career that he is not the best player in his team. The 41-year-old has done a good job in adapting to Doncic’s game. Fans were quick to express their opinions on James’ comments, and many showed excitement for the duo’s growing chemistry on social media.

Luka Doncic marvels at LeBron James’ longevity

It is mind-boggling what James continues to do in the NBA. Despite a slow start to the season, he is still averaging over 20 points per game. Over the last 12 games, James has averaged 25.6 points, indicating he has found his top form.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Blockbet/X)

During the post-match press conference, Doncic marveled at James’ longevity.

It’s just insane. Like probably me at 41, I’ll be limping around. But all jokes aside, I mean it’s incredible just to watch that every day.

James may not have the impact on winning as he once did, but he has shown the world that on his day, he is still one of the best players in the league. With Doncic leading the team and with James as their second option, the Lakers may have big problems to solve on the defensive end but their offense is as effective as it gets.

Also Read: