The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strong statement in the early stages of the 2025-26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, compiling a 23-12 record to sit fourth in the highly competitive Western Conference standings.
Much of the Lakers’ momentum has been fueled by the return of franchise icon LeBron James, who continues to defy Father Time at 41. On Wednesday, January 7 (Philippine Standard Time), LeBron poured in 30 points against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, demonstrating that he remains a key contributor for the team despite his age and previous injury concerns.
While LeBron’s scoring and leadership are invaluable, the four-time NBA champion has been clear about the Lakers’ hierarchy, emphasizing the central role of Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.
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“Luka Doncic don’t need to bend his game for me. Luka is our 26-year-old franchise for this ballclub. He don’t need to bend his game. It is up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out,” LeBron said in a media session.
LeBron on Luka Doncic:
“Luka don’t need to bend his game to me. He’s our 27-year-old franchise for this ball club. It’s up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out.”
(h/t @LakersDailyCom) pic.twitter.com/dIP5eLduJ4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 7, 2026
The veteran forward added: “We just try to be dynamic and work off of him. We know he is an unbelievable pick-and-roll player, unbelievable shotmaker. He commands the defense. He has four eyes, sometimes six eyes on him. So, it’s up to us to put ourselves in the right position. It’s not a problem for me; it’s not an issue for me.”
LeBron has also shouldered additional responsibility amid injury setbacks, with starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura sidelined due to left and right calf injuries, respectively. Despite these absences, the Lakers managed to win three consecutive games before falling to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, January 8 (Philippine Standard Time).
“We are just trying to weather the storm with the guys that we have. But, it is going to start with me and Luka, for sure. Every time we hit the floor. He has the ball in his hands. I’m going to have the ball in my hands. We have to make sure we are putting our guys in position offensively, and then defensively,” LeBron explained.
The Lakers have also benefited from LeBron’s resurgence after returning from a sciatica-related condition, which had limited his production early in the season. In his first six games, he averaged just 14 points per contest on 41.3 percent shooting. Since then, however, he has stepped up, not just as a scorer but as a floor general and mentor to younger teammates.
Despite LeBron’s efforts, it is clear that Doncic has become the face of the franchise. The Lakers’ offensive schemes and rotations are increasingly built around the 26-year-old guard, who draws constant defensive attention and creates opportunities for his teammates. LeBron’s willingness to defer to Doncic underscores his leadership and team-first mentality, a trait that has defined his career.
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ success this season will likely depend on maintaining this balance between experience and youth, health and depth. With LeBron still playing at a high level and Luka anchoring the offense, the Lakers are well-positioned to remain a formidable contender in the Western Conference. How the team navigates injuries and maximizes its dynamic duo will be crucial if they aim to make a deep playoff run and contend for another championship.
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