LeBron James admits Lakers must reshape their game around Luka Doncic

Since the start of the NBA season, the Lakers have faced many questions about how Doncic, James and Reaves can play together, with all three comfortable as primary ball handlers. Some have doubted whether the trio can be effective on the court at the same time.

Responding to those concerns, James made it clear that the team’s focus is on supporting Doncic. “Luka doesn’t need to bend his game,” he said. “He’s our 27-year-old franchise player, so it’s up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out.

“We try to be dynamic and work off of him. We know he’s an unbelievable pick-and-roll player and an unbelievable shot-maker who commands the defense. He has four eyes, sometimes six eyes, on him. 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 to do different things,” he said. “I just don’t think people watch basketball.”

This season, James has taken on more playmaking duties to support Doncic, and recently passed Chris Paul to become the second-highest assister in NBA history.

Doncic joined the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks on 2 February 2025 in a trade that included Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. In return, the Mavericks received Max Christie, Anthony Davis and a first-round pick in the 2029 NBA Draft. The deal created controversy, as Doncic had been seen as Dallas’ franchise player.

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Doncic has emerged as the Lakers’ leading star. After half a season, he is averaging 33.5 points, 8.7 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game. Thanks to his form, the Lakers hold a 23-11 record and sit third in the Western Conference.

The Lakers’ upcoming schedule includes games against the New Orleans Pelicans on 7 January, the San Antonio Spurs on 8 January and the Milwaukee Bucks on 10 January.