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Luka Doncic embraces leadership role with Lakers after LeBron James departure

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 3:36 AM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Luka Doncic embraces leadership role with Lakers after LeBron James departure

Summary

Luka Doncic expressed excitement about taking on a leadership role with the Los Angeles Lakers, following LeBron James's exit to the Philadelphia 76ers. At the Lakers’ media day, Doncic described leading the team as 'great' and emphasized his desire to pursue an NBA championship. He noted that his hamstring has fully healed and that he faces no restrictions as training camp approaches. Los Angeles has added nine new players this offseason, reshaping the roster around Doncic. The Lakers finished last season with a 53-29 record and will open the preseason against the Sacramento Kings on October 5.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Doncic joined the Lakers in a February 2025 trade from the Mavericks.
•LeBron James played eight seasons with the Lakers before signing with the 76ers.
•Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season with an average of 33.5 points.
•The Lakers have nine new players on their roster for the upcoming season.
•Lakers' preseason begins on October 5 against Sacramento.

Latest Updates

3:36 AMYahoo Sports — Luka Doncic Offers Blunt ‘Feels Great’ Response on Taking Lakers Reins From LeBron James

What they're saying

"
Luka Doncic has not played an NBA game since April 2, when a hamstring strain ended his season. The Los Angeles Lakers were then swept in four games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West semifinals without him. Now the roster looks very different, and the team belongs to its star. On Monday, Doncic [...]
— Yahoo Sports

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