Dončić looks to take leadership role with James’ departure
Luka Dončić is preparing to lead the Los Angeles Lakers following the departure of LeBron James. The team is undergoing a significant roster overhaul, with nine new players joining the squad.
Why it matters
This marks a major transition for one of the NBA's most prominent franchises as they attempt to build a new identity around a younger core.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Luka Dončić has been a leader and a star ever since he was a teenager at Real Madrid, so his new role this fall as the clear focal point of the Los Angeles Lakers is nothing new.
Yet Dončić is still eager to take on the biggest responsibility of his basketball career to date in the wake of LeBron James’ decision to leave LA.
“It’s like a new challenge. I like challenges,” Dončić said Monday when the Lakers reported to training camp for media day. “I wouldn’t say I feel different, but I would say I feel honored.”
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