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Luka Doncic has embraced a larger leadership role with the Los Angeles Lakers after LeBron James missed time due to injury. The star guard averaged more than 33 points per game and is now guiding the team as it seeks improved playoff results.
in town, Dončić had to adapt to a new role. He may have still been the best player on his team, but James was the captain of the ship.
Dončić's comment was probably not meant to be a dig at James, as the two seemingly got along very well with the Lakers. It was likely more a comment on Dončić feeling comfortable as a team leader, a role he filled for years with the Mavericks. Dončić explained as much while giving his answer.
"I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it's not new to me," Dončić said. "I feel great. I feel excited.
"The shift from James to Dončić started before the offseason. With James out with an injury early last season, Dončić put the team on his back, averaging 34.4 points per game over his first 10 games. That seemed to set the tone for the season, as Dončić's average barely went down even when James returned.
Dončić averaged 33.3 points the rest of the way, firmly putting himself in the MVP discussion until a late injury knocked him out of the running to win the award. Now that the team has a new look, the Lakers are looking for a better result in the playoffs. After losing to the
Luka Doncic Lebron James Los Angeles Lakers NBA Team Leadership
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