Doncic delivers amid LeBron James’ comeback dilemma

LeBron James has now been out for a month since the Lakers announced he’d miss “three or four weeks” with a sciatic nerve issue affecting the right side of his body – an injury he’s been dealing with since late July or early August. For the first time in his career, LeBron missed the opening game of a season, which would have been his record 23rd year in the NBA – more than any player in history. But it wasn’t just the opener: nine games have passed, and he’ll be out for several more.

He won’t be on the Lakers’ current five-game road trip through Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Milwaukee. The earliest realistic date for his debut is November 18, when Los Angeles hosts the Utah Jazz back home. When he finally steps on court, he’ll become the first player ever to play 23 NBA seasons and will start another countdown toward history: he’s just 50 games shy of Robert Parish’s all-time record for regular-season appearances (1,611).

That said, there are already 14 games (nine played so far) he’s guaranteed to miss – meaning it’s almost certain he won’t reach the 65-game threshold required to qualify for major individual awards and All-NBA Team consideration. This will end another of his legendary streaks: LeBron has made an astonishing 21 All-NBA selections (13 First Teams), while Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar each topped out at 15.

Doncic leads a winning charge

Without LeBron, the Lakers are thriving. They’ve won five straight and stand at 7–2 despite juggling absences: four games without Luka Doncic (3–1), two without Austin Reaves (2–0), and one missing all three stars. It’s an impressive run that highlights a spectacular stretch – one of the best yet – from Doncic. He’s averaging 40 points, 11.9 rebounds and 9.2 assists, becoming the first player ever to generate 311 points through scoring and assists across his first five games.

His 200 total points in those five outings even surpass Michael Jordan’s best start (197 in 1986–87) and trail only two legendary Wilt Chamberlain streaks (264 in 1962 and 256 in 1961). Doncic looks leaner, sharper and fully committed to his role as the Lakers’ new leader. “I’m really enjoying playing with these guys,” he said. “Nobody makes excuses about injuries – whoever’s on the floor gives everything. We all know how good Austin is, and of course we miss LeBron. But this team has so much potential. It’s just fun basketball.”

On defense, Doncic is equally invested: “It’s all about communication – making sure everyone’s where they need to be. Sometimes I’m in the post, and I have to take responsibility for that. The activity is better, I’m more focused.”

He’s also quick to praise one of the new arrivals. “I’ve seen Marcus Smart do things on defense I’ve never seen anyone do before.”

Smart additions paying off

The Lakers’ offseason plan to stay flexible – managing salary cap space and future draft picks – appears to be paying dividends. Jake LaRavia joined as a free agent, while Deandre Ayton and Smart arrived after buyouts elsewhere. It’s working: Dorian Finney-Smith, who left for the Rockets, is still sidelined with ankle issues, while the new trio has exceeded expectations.

Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 draft pick (the same class as Doncic), has been especially dominant, averaging nearly 19 points and 10 rebounds per game with newfound intensity and purpose. He’s embracing the dirty work, defending with energy, and rediscovering his offensive touch.

A comeback with consequences

So, can these Lakers compete for a title? Yes – if LeBron returns at full strength. Last season he still performed at an elite level, averaging 24.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8 assists, fighting his age and injuries with trademark determination. If he can hit a similar ceiling again, Los Angeles could be a legitimate contender.

But that’s where things get complicated. LeBron exercised his $52.6 million player option, even after the Lakers – now fully committed to the Doncic era – showed no interest in offering an extension. The move didn’t sit well with him, and soon his camp began sending the kind of passive-aggressive signals that have become his trademark. The loudest: he would “monitor the team’s situation” during his absence.

That message hinted at frustration and doubt. LeBron still dreams of a fifth championship, yet he seems uncertain whether he can chase it with this version of the Lakers, a franchise consciously pivoting toward Doncic, who is 14 years younger. To his credit, LeBron has publicly acknowledged the logic behind that shift, and his relationship with the Slovenian star remains strong.

Financially, too, it made sense to stay put. No clear title contender had the cap room to sign him outright, and there’s no sign he wants another relocation this late in his career. Still, that comment about “monitoring” the Lakers’ performance came off as ominous – a rare misstep in judgment from a player whose career has otherwise been defined by control and precision.

Yet if LeBron has been watching closely, he’s likely seen exactly what he hoped for: a team that battles hard, wins consistently, and could be terrifying with him back in the lineup. In a way, his challenge to the Lakers now points right back at himself.

If he returns and plays near his best, LeBron James can still transform the equation. The setup couldn’t be better – for him, for Doncic, for the franchise. For everyone, really.

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