As the preseason progresses, uncertainty surrounds Luka Doncic’s participation. Although he completed a full practice session, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick described Doncic’s status for Sunday’s game against the Golden State Warriors as “TBD” (to be determined).
Luka Doncic’s Preseason Status
Doncic expressed his own uncertainty regarding his preseason participation. After practice, he stated, “I don’t know yet. We got to talk about it — JJ and my team. I’m probably going to end up playing two games of the preseason.”
Upcoming Games
- The Lakers will play a total of six preseason games.
- Three of these games will occur after their matchup with the Warriors.
Impact of LeBron James’ Absence
The Lakers are facing a significant challenge with LeBron James unavailable due to a sciatica nerve issue. The team announced James will be re-evaluated in roughly three to four weeks. This absence raises questions about how Doncic will handle increased responsibilities.
During their successful partnership last season, Doncic and James proved to be a formidable duo. “It’s a big change,” Doncic acknowledged. “He’s a great player. He can help us a lot.” Despite the adjustments, Doncic emphasized the need for the team to embody a “next man up” mentality.
Supporting Cast and Team Chemistry
With James sidelined, Doncic will receive support from players like Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jared Vanderbilt. Even with the pressure of leading the team, Doncic remains focused on contributing to victories. “I just want to play basketball,” he stated. “If I do less, if I do more, whatever it takes for me to get a win.”
Training and Preparation
While James has been involved in individual workouts, he has not joined team practices. Redick noted that the coaching staff had anticipated James’ challenges with nerve irritation, which helped in planning. Adjustments in strategy may still be necessary as the regular season approaches.
“This wasn’t a surprise to us going into camp,” Redick remarked about James’ condition. He added that game planning has not been affected thus far as they continue to assess the situation.
The Lakers are navigating this challenge while maintaining a focus on teamwork and preparation. As they anticipate the start of the regular season on October 21 against the Warriors, the team’s ability to adapt and thrive will be critical.
