LeBron James Embraces Primary Role for Lakers Without Doncic, Reaves

Lakers star adjusts to leading the team after injuries to key players.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.LeBron James' leadership will be essential as the Lakers navigate the playoffs without key injured players.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is embracing his old role as the primary option for the team after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. With the two key players sidelined, the 41-year-old James is tapping back into responsibilities he's been accustomed to in the past to keep the Lakers afloat heading into the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Lakers are in a vulnerable position heading into the postseason with Doncic and Reaves out, putting more pressure on the 23-year veteran James to carry the team. James' ability to adjust and lead the Lakers will be crucial to their playoff success.

The details

James reflected on the increased leadership duties falling on him, saying he had to 'tap back into a role that I've been accustomed to in the past' with Doncic and Reaves sidelined. The Lakers have a 52-29 record on the season, holding the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings, and will prepare for their regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz before the playoffs.

  • LeBron James missed the start of the campaign due to sciatica, but slowly returned to a solid star form to close out the regular season.
  • The Lakers will prepare for their regular-season finale on April 12 before preparing for playoff basketball.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar and leader of the Los Angeles Lakers who is embracing an increased role due to injuries to key teammates.

Luka Doncic

A star player for the Lakers who is currently sidelined with an injury, leaving the team in a vulnerable position heading into the playoffs.

Austin Reaves

Another key Lakers player who is dealing with an injury that will keep him out for multiple weeks, further straining the team's roster.

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What they’re saying

“Sounds pretty cool. Sounds pretty good. I would [have] loved to get that 3-0 nod though. But just trying to make plays, I had to tap back into a role that I've been accustomed to in the past, but obviously it wasn't what it was this year. But circumstances have put me back in, and I'm just trying to feed up my teammates, teammates feeding off of me and just trying to make things happen for us to stay afloat.”

— LeBron James, Lakers Star

What’s next

The Lakers will prepare for their regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz on April 12 before turning their focus to the playoffs.

The takeaway

With key injuries sidelining Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, LeBron James is embracing an increased leadership role for the Lakers as they head into the playoffs. The 41-year-old veteran's ability to guide the team and tap into his past experience will be crucial to the Lakers' postseason success.