With the 2025-26 NBA season rapidly approaching, Luka Doncic got real on the “change” the Los Angeles Lakers have to make without LeBron James.

Discussing what it's been like to play without one of the best players in basketball history as he recovers from sciatica, Doncic told reporters on Saturday that while it's going to be different, at the end of the day, his team needs to embrace the next man up mentality and push forward. 

“It's a big change. He's a great player. He can help us a lot. But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up,” Doncic said. “We've got a group of guys. They're practicing. Hopefully, LeBron can join us as soon as possible. Obviously, me and him. But our mentality has got to be next man up.”

Asked if he has to play a bigger role without James' unique, borderline positionless brand of basketball, Doncic said no, noting that he wants to play winning basketball and is willing to scale up or back his individual role to make that happen.

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“No, I don't view it that way. You have to do a little bit more than you do a lot every year,” Doncic noted. “I just want to play basketball. Do less, do more. Whatever it takes to get a win.”

With opening day still 10 days away, there's still time for James to return to the court and recapture his spot in the starting lineup before the Lakers welcome the Golden State Warriors to Crypto.com Arena on October 21. But with the “King” away, Doncic will still be earning important experience playing without James on the court, which will happen from time to time this fall in virtually every game. If JJ Redick and company can find a few new lineups that really work without James, then this preseason could prove valuable all the same for Doncic and his team.