Doncic Embraces the Leadership Role the Lakers Need Him to Fill

As the Los Angeles Lakers transition away from the LeBron James era, the franchise recognized that numerous elements would depart alongside the league’s all-time leading scorer. Chief among these was the four-time MVP’s vocal presence and his unparalleled leadership, honed through virtually every NBA accolade. James’s guidance and over two decades of experience are irreplaceable.

However, the Lakers are preparing for their current stars to assume leadership roles in the wake of James’s departure. Luka Doncic is poised to shoulder this responsibility as the team fully embraces its next chapter.

Doncic made his intentions clear during the Lakers’ minicamp held in his home country of Slovenia last month. When asked what matters more to him now compared to five years ago, the 24-minute video posted on his YouTube page about the camp revealed his answer: “Probably the leadership role.” Doncic elaborated, “Trying to be a leader. Five years ago, I was [three years in] the league. I wasn’t the leader I was supposed to [be]. So, leadership is an important part in my case now.”

The Lakers already recognized Doncic’s leadership capabilities following his trade to the franchise in February 2025. His gestures, such as treating teammates to a Porsche Driving Experience in October 2025 during the preseason and surprising players, coaches, and basketball operations staff with e-bikes as Christmas gifts last year, demonstrated his growth since arriving in Los Angeles. The organization gained further insight into the team’s future leadership structure with Doncic as its cornerstone.

The Slovenian superstar orchestrated a five-day trip for his teammates, featuring a chartered flight, exclusive dining at his favorite restaurants, tours of Ljubljana’s landmarks including a river cruise and Ljubljana Castle, golfing, rowing at Lake Bled, and basketball activities. His teammates were overwhelmingly positive about the excursion.

Their appreciation was so profound that they penned handwritten notes to Doncic. “I’m definitely coming back,” Collin Sexton stated. “We had an amazing time. Great experience. Nothing but good vibes, nothing but love. Luka, man, appreciate you for bringing us out to your country and taking us back where it all started.”

Leadership will be crucial for the Lakers moving forward. James was one of nine Lakers from the 2025-26 roster who did not return for the upcoming season. Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard were among the other departures. Doncic, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jake LaRavia remain the only four players from last season who played at least 600 regular-season minutes and are returning for 2026-27.

Coach JJ Redick emphasized the significance of team connectedness during Thursday’s joint availability with president of basketball operations/general manager Rob Pelinka.

In Redick’s view, the NBA’s most successful teams over the past six to seven years have consistently been the most interconnected. Because this correlation is no coincidence, it will be central to his messaging throughout the 2026-27 season as Redick enters his third year as Lakers coach. “There were times last year, there were times my first year where the team was connected,” Redick said. “I really believe this group is gonna be connected from Day 1. And they already are.”

This connectedness is, in part, a direct result of Doncic stepping into a leadership role. “There’s a lot of new guys on the team,” Doncic said. “Building chemistry is very important. That was the first thought, just to get the guys together. That’s why I wanted to do it.”

Source link