LeBron James shares Los Angeles Laker’s plans amid Luka Doncic’s adjusting period: “He’s definitely priority number one” | NBA News
LeBron James has been in his A-game this season as well. The Los Angeles Lakers veteran has recently pulled off a stunning 40-point show against their win over the Portland Trail Blazers. While James is thriving, the Lakers fans are concerned about newly arrived Luka Doncic’s performance as he has been in his adjusting period. However, James has recently shared the Lakers’ priority number one and it is still Doncic.
LeBron James says Luka Doncic is Los Angeles Lakers’ priority number 1
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty)
The Los Angeles Lakers returned to the win column with a 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, snapping a brief two-game losing streak. LeBron James once again proved his dominance, delivering a masterful 40-point performance. While his individual brilliance carried the team on the night, James made it clear that the franchise’s focus remains on integrating Luka Doncic.
James has been the face of the Lakers since his arrival in Los Angeles, but with the team’s blockbuster trade sending Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Doncic, fans labeled him as the future of the organization. James and the Lakers company are also looking for the Slovenian superstar to find his rhythm with the team.
“It’s going to be a process for the rest of the season, as he [Doncic] continues to learn what we want to do offensively and defensively—our system, our calls, and our cadence,” James said postgame. “We also have to figure out and learn from him as well. He’s such a great and unbelievable talent. We need to be able to play with him just as much as he needs to play with us.”
Doncic’s arrival hasn’t been seamless. The Lakers have struggled in the games he has played, going 1-2, including losses to lottery-bound teams like the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. Through his first three appearances in purple and gold, Doncic has posted averages of 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting a concerning 35.6% from the field and just 20.8% from three-point range.
Doncic himself acknowledged that he’s still finding his footing. “Honestly, I was getting my mind off basketball a little bit, but I’m just excited to come back and play,” he said. “I missed a lot of time. I’ve never missed this much time, so it’s something new to me. I was just excited to get back to playing.”
In the Lakers’ recent loss to Charlotte, Doncic added 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists to the board. However, his shooting struggles persisted as he went just 5-of-18 from the field and 1-of-9 from deep while committing six turnovers. “Obviously, it’s going to take a little time,” Doncic added. “Today, a lot of rustiness on my part. Started the game with like four or five turnovers. That can’t happen. Just gotta play basketball the right way.”
The Lakers need Doncic to settle in and take the reins sooner rather than later, not just for the immediate playoff push but for the team’s long-term success.
“Every day, every game, every practice, every shootaround, every film session, we got to continue getting better and better at integrating our new parts,” James stated. “But he’s definitely priority number one.”
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For now, the Lakers will celebrate a much-needed win, but all eyes remain on Doncic’s development. His ability to adapt and elevate his play will determine how far the Lakers can go this season and beyond.
