Luka Doncic Steps Up as Leader for Lakers in Post-LeBron Era
As the Los Angeles Lakers navigate the departure of LeBron James, Luka Doncic has embraced a leadership role, as evidenced by a recent team minicamp in Slovenia.
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era following the departure of LeBron James, and Luka Doncic is poised to assume a significant leadership role. This transition was highlighted during the Lakers' recent minicamp in Doncic's home country of Slovenia.
Doncic expressed his commitment to leadership, stating in a YouTube video that it is a crucial aspect of his game now. "Trying to be a leader. Five years ago, I was [three years in] the league. I wasn’t the leader I was supposed to [be]," he said, reflecting on his development.
The Lakers have witnessed Doncic's growth in leadership since his trade to the team in February 2025. Previous gestures, such as treating teammates to a Porsche Driving Experience in October 2025 and gifting players, coaches, and staff e-bikes for Christmas last year, demonstrated his evolving role within the franchise.
The five-day Slovenian trip, organized by Doncic, included chartered flights, dining at his favorite restaurants, sightseeing tours, golfing, rowing, and basketball activities. The experience was met with high praise from his teammates, who expressed their gratitude through handwritten notes.
"I’m definitely coming back," said player Collin Sexton. "We had an amazing time. Great experience. Nothing but good vibes, nothing but love. Luka, man, appreciate you for bringing us out to your country and taking us back where it all started."
Leadership is particularly critical for the Lakers this season, with James being among nine players from the 2025-26 team who did not return. Other notable departures include Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard. Doncic, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jake LaRavia are the only four players who played at least 600 regular-season minutes last season and are returning for the 2026-27 season.
Head coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of team connectedness during a recent availability with president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. Redick believes that strong team chemistry is a hallmark of successful NBA teams and expressed confidence that the current Lakers squad will be connected from the start of the season.
"There were times last year, there were times my first year where the team was connected," Redick said. "I really believe this group is gonna be connected from Day 1. And they already are."
Doncic echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of building chemistry with a roster that includes many new players. "There’s a lot of new guys on the team," Doncic noted. "Building chemistry is very important. That was the first thought, just to get the guys together. That’s why I wanted to do it."