Doncic Emphasizes Next Man Up Mentality as Lakers Face LeBrons Month-Long Absence

LeBron James is set to be sidelined for a minimum of a month, but the Lakers are choosing not to focus on his absence.

In contrast, Luka Doncic believes this situation won’t significantly impact the team’s overall trajectory.

“It’s a significant shift,” Doncic commented regarding playing without James. “He’s an exceptional player who contributes greatly. However, ultimately, our mindset must be ‘next man up.’ We have a squad that’s been training hard, and we hope to have LeBron back with us soon. We will definitely need him, but we must maintain a ‘next man up’ mentality. That’s all there is to it.”

When asked if he feels the need to step up his game in LeBron’s absence, the Slovenian star clarified that he doesn’t see it that way.

“I don’t think about it like that,” Doncic said following practice on Saturday. “I simply want to play basketball. Whether I do less or more, my focus is on whatever it takes to secure a victory.”

So far, without James and with Doncic contributing, the Lakers have struggled in the preseason, holding a record of 0-2 against the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors.

“I had the national team,” Doncic reflected on his playing experience. “I’ve been playing basketball for about a month. It’s a long season ahead, and that’s just part of it.”