With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his legendary profession, the Los Angeles Lakers need to Luka Doncic to take the reins. The 26-year-old star is exhibiting precisely the kind of management qualities the franchise wants, based on longtime good friend and Slovenian teammate Edo Muric.
Muric spoke about Doncic’s progress and maturity on and off the courtroom.
“Yearly, he’s extra vocal and much more affected person with the gamers as a result of he’s coming from a distinct stage than we’re,” Muric informed The Athletic. “And typically (the errors), it’s not acceptable for him. Possibly he used to anticipate an excessive amount of from us as a result of he comes from one other world that we come from, you understand? However now as he’s maturing as he’s older, he will get that. And he’s giving us increasingly more belief.”
That message ought to resonate with Lakers followers hoping to see Doncic step up because the crew’s anchor.
His expertise is simple, however the query has at all times been whether or not he may lead the locker room in the identical means James as soon as did.
The Lakers will want that presence after a disappointing 2025 postseason. Doncic’s squad bowed out within the first spherical, successful only one recreation towards the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a surprising upset by the hands of Anthony Edwards, and the kind of loss that left questions on Los Angeles’ trajectory.
This season gives Doncic with the possibility to reply these questions. The expectation is straightforward: information the Lakers by way of a brutal Western Convention and put them in place to make a run subsequent spring. Earlier than the playoffs even arrive, Doncic has to set the tone throughout the common season by stacking up wins and establishing the fitting habits.
Followers received’t have to attend lengthy to see if Muric’s evaluation holds true. Los Angeles suggestions off its 2025-26 marketing campaign on October 21, and all eyes might be on Doncic to show he is able to lead the Lakers into the longer term.