LeBron James Emphasizes Luka Doncic as Lakers’ Offensive Leader Amid Scoring Surge

Posted : 07 January 2026

LeBron James showcased his enduring scoring ability on Tuesday, pouring in 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103. Despite his personal success, James made it clear that Luka Doncic remains the team’s offensive centerpiece.

“Luka doesn’t need to bend his game for me,” James said. “He’s our 26-year-old franchise player. It’s up to us to adjust around him and figure it out. We just try to be dynamic and work off of him. He’s an incredible pick-and-roll player and shotmaker. He commands so much attention from defenses, so it’s on us to put ourselves in the right position. It’s not an issue for me.”

The duo of James and Doncic has been nearly unstoppable, with both players scoring 30 points against the Pelicans—the second time in three games they have each reached that mark. L.A. has won three consecutive games while missing starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura due to calf injuries, relying heavily on James and Doncic to carry the load.

“LeBron has been amazing,” Doncic said. “He helps me, helps others, and is super efficient with his shots. That’s Bron. He can do anything. We’re playing better together every game, and it’s only going to improve.”

After a slow start to the season due to sciatica, James has regained his form. He has scored 25 or more points in seven of the Lakers’ past 12 games and is averaging 29 points on 58.8% shooting during their current win streak. Against the Pelicans, he sparked an early fourth-quarter 8-0 run, hitting two 3-pointers and assisting Jarred Vanderbilt, while Doncic sealed the win late with a charge drawn and two clutch 3-pointers.

James stressed the importance of collaboration on both ends of the floor. “Every time we hit the floor, he has the ball, I have the ball. We need to make sure our teammates are in the right positions offensively and defensively,” he said. Coach JJ Redick compared James to a seasoned pitcher like Greg Maddux, noting the constant adjustments needed to maximize his impact.

“What LeBron is doing at 41, after what he did last year at 40, it’s greatness in a different form,” Redick said. James’ durability and skill remain remarkable, though he acknowledged the challenges of back-to-back games. “Every back-to-back, for the rest of the season, is TBD. I am 41. I’ve played the most minutes in NBA history. Bank that answer right now,” he said.

LeBron James Emphasizes Luka Doncic as Lakers’ Offensive Leader Amid Scoring Surge

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