With LeBron James out, Lakers lean on Luka Doncic to open season

"Luka Doncic strolled onto the Crypto.com Arena court about an hour before the Lakers' final preseason game Friday night to do his pregame shooting drills, the Latin and then the Serbian music blaring as he went through his routine, the fans inside the arena oohing and aahing over his collection of shots. Doncic finished his session with two half-court shots, the one that went in leaving fans shaking their heads. He signed autographs and then dipped into the locker room."

"A few minutes later, LeBron James eased onto the court, his baseball cap turned backward, the fans cheering him as he took a seat at the end of the bench. He had missed another preseason game with because of a sciatica issue in his right side that is expected to sideline him until sometime in November, but his presence still loomed. There were moments when fans yelled, "LeBron ... LeBron ... LeBron," or "I love you LeBron." That's the hold James still has over Laker fans."

""Bron is not done," said Dallas coach Jason Kidd, who coached Doncic and was an assistant coach on the Lakers team with James when they won the 2020 NBA championship. "Luka is an incredible player. LeBron is an incredible player. They both are going to play off each other, make the game easy for each other. When LeBron finally says it's over, I think Luka will be able to fill those shoes. I think they are sitting in a good seat. They got a vet who has seen it all and they have a young up-and-coming player who has seen it all too. They can both play at the highest level.""

Luka Doncic conducted an extended pregame shooting routine at Crypto.com Arena, drawing loud fan reaction and sinking a half-court shot. LeBron James arrived later despite missing the preseason game because of a right-side sciatica expected to keep him out until November. Fans continued to show strong affection for James, signaling his ongoing influence among Lakers supporters. Dallas coach Jason Kidd said both players are exceptional and can complement each other, allowing Doncic to eventually assume full leadership when James retires. Doncic will serve as the lead on-court figure until James returns.

Read at Los Angeles Times