Luka Doncic gets real on embracing spotlight as Lakers' franchise star post-LeBron James
· Yahoo Sports
Luka Doncic gets real on embracing spotlight as Lakers' franchise star post-LeBron James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When legends leave a franchise, it typically takes a while for the team to find a replacement. They have to rebuild and go through losing seasons. The Los Angeles Lakers have the luxury of skipping all that hassle. After LeBron James left the franchise to join the Philadelphia 76ers in NBA Free Agency, Coach JJ Redick and Co. still have a franchise star in Luka Doncic. How is the Slovenian handling all the bright lights that come with donning the Purple and Gold?
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Doncic fully embraces Lakers' star franchise role after James era
Luka Doncic is no stranger to the spotlight. He was the central figure for the Dallas Mavericks, immediately after Dirk Nowitzki retired. Now, it all seems to be coming full circle. After eight seasons with the Lakers and a 2020 NBA championship, LeBron James has left the organization. As in 2019, Doncic will be the star who fills the void for a franchise that hopes to compete for the foreseeable future.
There are obvious differences between being a star for the Mavericks and the Lakers. So, how does Doncic feel about having to fill the shoes left behind by James? He seems used to it, via Dan Woike of The Athletic.
"I see myself in this role, nothing new. But it’s very important. Everybody on the whole team, you know, looks up to me. I have to look up to them. And it’s just … there should be many leaders, you know. You should be able to hold each other accountable," the Lakers superstar declared.
Doncic will be with the Lakers for a while, too. He is currently signed to a $165 million, three-year deal through 2029. The Lakers have also gone all-in on him as their star, as evidenced by their roster construction. They brought in Walker Kessler to fix the gaping rebounding hole, one of the drawbacks of having a Doncic-led offense. Coach JJ Redick has also added in multiple shot creators instead of just pure three-point shooters. Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes have all proven they can create space for themselves and generate shots without Doncic's involvement.
'26 Luka Dončić scoring https://t.co/XHgffJ3OZ3
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When James was on the roster, they loaded the wings with three-and-d players. This time around, it looks like Coach JJ Redick's plan is to play into the heliocentrism that comes alongside Doncic.
A lot of schematic changes need to be made before the Lakers can fully transition into Doncic's team. But the success that usually follows is loud. Fans of the Purple and Gold will surely know when Rob Pelinka has fully built a long-term contender around the Slovenian.
Do you think the Lakers are immediate title contenders with Doncic leading the charge?