The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most decorated rosters in the NBA. But that is mostly centered around LeBron James. The passing, the ball-making, and everything else work in a way that complies with LeBron. Now that Luka Doncic is at the helm, things will change for the next big superstar.
During NBA Today’s Tuesday episode, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne broke down how Doncic could leverage James’ absence and make it his own team.
“I think this is an opportunity for Luka to make it his team. Luka Doncic came from a situation and a team that was built for him, around him, he felt comfortable, and I think he hasn’t looked as comfortable. I thought he was getting there, but in this game (against the Nets), without LeBron, it made me realize, ‘Oh, this isn’t his team yet,’” Shelburne said.
“This is an opportunity right now for [Luka Doncic] to make it his team.” @ramonashelburne on how the Lakers can adjust without LeBron James 👀 pic.twitter.com/557MM5bIIX
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 11, 2025
However, the discussion of the young Slovenian stepping up in LeBron’s shoes comes at a crucial time. The Lakers are dealing with significant injuries as they miss LeBron for quite some time. They fell flat against the Nets and suffered a close 111-108 defeat.
Since moving to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic has struggled to find his rhythm. His poor shooting performance (8-26) against the Nets makes it look like he still needs some adjustment to get along with the team fully.
With the playoffs approaching, Doncic’s role becomes even more vital in James’s absence. Shelburne suggests that this situation presents an opportunity for Doncic to assert himself and potentially make the team truly his.
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Former NBA Player Advices Luka Doncic Amid Officiating Discontent
While Luka Doncic is trying his best to fit into the roster, his struggles might take a whole different direction. Former NBA player Chandler Parsons is offering valuable advice to Doncic as he navigates his role with the Lakers.
According to Parsons, Doncic’s tendency to complain to officials might get him into unwanted trouble. During a recent game against the Mavericks, Doncic received a technical foul, prompting Parsons to caution him about the importance of maintaining a good relationship with referees.
“He does have to find a way to reel it in a little bit with the refs because you don’t want to get that reputation amongst that group of referees to where you’re definitely not gonna get a call come playoff time,” Parsons said.
"He does have to find a way to reel it in a little bit with the refs because you don't want to get that reputation amongst that group of referees to where you're definitely not gonna get a call come playoff time."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 11, 2025
Chandler Parsons on Luka Doncic.pic.twitter.com/5Aah3h9xRJ
Parsons emphasized that acquiring a negative reputation among officials could impact Doncic’s ability to draw fouls when it matters most during the playoffs. Throughout his career, Doncic has shown his passionate play, which sometimes spills over into disputes with referees.
Also Read: Lakers Fans Furious As Referees Ignore Clear Push On Luka Doncic From Behind
